Question

Beth Schulman makes the point that workers in nursing homes, retail stores, hotels, and child care are (1.06) a) well paid considering that their work is not very important. b) lucky they have jobs at all. c) doing important work, but not heing paid enough money. d) not well paid, but generally well regarded by their employers.

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) doing important work, but not being paid enough money.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the main idea of the passage

In this passage, Beth Schulman is discussing the aspect of workers in nursing homes, retail stores, hotels, and child care and their pay in relation to the importance of their work.

Read the options and compare

Now, let's look at each option and see if they align with the main idea. a) well paid considering that their work is not very important: This option contradicts the text, which states that the workers' work is important. So, this is not the correct answer. b) lucky they have jobs at all: This option does not address the relationship between pay and work importance. So, this is not the correct answer. c) doing important work, but not being paid enough money: This option correctly highlights the main idea, i.e., the workers are doing important work, but not getting fair compensation for it. This is the correct answer. d) not well paid, but generally well regarded by their employers: This option focuses on how the workers are regarded by their employers, which is not the main point of the passage. So, this is not the correct answer.

Choose the correct answer

The correct answer is option c) doing important work, but not being paid enough money, which accurately reflects the main idea of the passage related to workers in nursing homes, retail stores, hotels, and child care.

Key concepts

Wage Determination

Wage determination is the process through which the compensation for work is set. It involves evaluating various factors to ensure fair pay. Employers consider the value of the work performed, with additional attention paid to industry standards and economic conditions. On a general note, other important elements that affect wage determination include:

• Level of skill and education required: Jobs needing specialized skills or advanced education often offer higher wages.
• Experience: Employers may pay more for workers who bring experience to the role.
• Market Demand: High-demand jobs often result in competitive wages to attract and retain employees.

In the context of the exercise, wage determination helps explain why workers in essential sectors like nursing homes or child care, who perform important jobs, may not always receive wages reflecting the importance of their work.

Worker Compensation

Worker compensation covers the salaries and other benefits given to employees for their labor. This includes base pay and might involve additional bonuses, health benefits, and retirement plans. It's essential for ensuring workers feel valued and motivated. When examining worker compensation:

• Fairness: Workers should be compensated on par with the value of their contributions.
• Equity: Equal pay for equal work, eliminating any disparities based on gender or race.
• Retention: Competitive compensation packages help in retaining skilled employees.

In the original passage, the emphasis is on worker compensation being insufficient for the critical nature of their work. This can lead to dissatisfaction and high turnover rates, which impacts both the organization and the quality of services provided.

Importance of Labor

Labor is the backbone of any economy. It drives productivity and innovation across all sectors. Workers in critical roles, like those mentioned in the passage, provide essential services that individuals and communities depend on daily. The importance of labor can be better understood through:

• Economic Contribution: Workers boost the economy by producing goods and services.
• Social Impact: Through services like child care, individuals contribute to societal well-being.
• Quality of Life: By performing essential functions, workers enhance the quality of life for others.

However, when the importance of labor isn't matched by fair compensation, it leads to a misalignment that can affect both worker morale and the overall efficiency of the labor market. Addressing this gap is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and equitable working environment.