E. Napp Labor and Wages In this lesson, students will be able to identify the impact of education on wages and the impact of discrimination on wages. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: Labor Force Four Kinds of Workers Glass Ceiling Affirmative Action

E. Napp The labor force is defined as all nonmilitary workers over 16 who are employed or unemployed (but looking for work).

E. Napp Four Kinds of Workers Unskilled workers possess no specialized skills or training. Semi-skilled workers have minimal skills. Skilled workers have specialized skills and training. Professional workers have advanced education.

E. Napp A restaurant server is an unskilled worker.

E. Napp A lifeguard is a semi-skilled worker.

E. Napp An electrician is a skilled worker.

E. Napp A doctor is a professional worker.

E. Napp The more educated a worker is, the higher the worker’s wage.

E. Napp The Glass Ceiling Sometimes gender discrimination prevents female employees from advancing. Economists speak of a glass ceiling. A glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that prevents women from advancing in the workplace.

E. Napp Gender discrimination prevents women from advancing in the workplace. A glass ceiling exists.

E. Napp Affirmative Action Affirmative action promotes the hiring of women and minorities. Affirmative action policies recognize that women and minorities have historically been denied access to certain jobs. Affirmative action policies seek to remedy past injustices and promote diversity in the workplace.

E. Napp Affirmative action policies are frequently debated.

E. Napp Education leads to higher wages but gender discrimination still affects wages.

E. Napp Questions for Reflection: Who is considered part of the labor force? How does education affect wages? What is the difference between unskilled workers, semi-skilled workers, skilled workers, and professional workers? How does the glass ceiling affect women? Why do affirmative action policies exist?