Question

The economies of some industrialized countries face the prospect of large labor shortages in the decades ahead. Meanwhile, these countries will have a vast number of experienced and productive older workers who, as things stand, will be driven from the work force upon reaching the age of sixty-five by the widespread practice of requiring workers to retire at that age. Therefore, if the discriminatory practice of mandatory retirement at age sixty-five were eliminated, the labor shortages facing these economies would be averted. The argument assumes that (A) older workers have acquired skills that are extremely valuable and that their younger colleagues lack (B) workers in industrialized countries are often unprepared to face the economic consequences of enforced idleness (C) a large number of workers in some industrialized countries would continue working beyond the age of sixty-five if workers in those countries were allowed to do so (D) mandatory retirement at age sixty-five was first instituted when life expectancy was considerably lower than it is today (E) a substantial proportion of the population of officially retired workers is actually engaged in gainful employment

Short answer

The argument assumes that many older workers would work past 65 if allowed.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Argument Presented

The argument discusses the issue of labor shortages anticipated in some industrialized countries while experienced older workers are forced to retire at age sixty-five due to mandatory retirement practices. It concludes that by eliminating this mandatory retirement practice, the labor shortage problem could be resolved.

Identify the Assumption to Solve the Shortage

The argument hinges on the assumption that eliminating the mandatory retirement age would lead to these older workers continuing to work and thus, solving the labor shortage problem. This assumption needs to be explicitly considered to evaluate what the argument presumes.

Analyze Option C for Relevance

Option (C) suggests that a large number of workers in these countries would choose to work beyond the age of sixty-five if permitted. This aligns with the assumption necessary for the argument to address labor shortages by retaining older workers in the workforce.

Evaluate Other Options for Compatibility

Reviewing the other options: - Option (A) talks about skills but doesn't specifically address the choice to continue working. - Option (B) concerns economic readiness, not directly related to extending work. - Option (D) references historical context irrelevant to current willingness or necessity to work. - Option (E) discusses current activities post-retirement, without ensuring continued workforce participation at workplaces facing labor shortages.

Select the Correct Assumption that Supports the Argument

Based on the analysis, Option C addresses the key assumption that is necessary for the argument to hold true: the presence of a large number of older workers willing to work past the age of 65 if mandatory retirement were removed.

Key concepts

Labor Shortages

Labor shortages occur when there is a high demand for workers in an economy but a lack of people willing or able to fill those roles. This can have significant economic repercussions, as businesses may struggle to complete projects, meet consumer demand, or function efficiently. Labor shortages are usually highlighted when there is rapid economic growth that outpaces the available workforce.

Several factors contribute to labor shortages:

• Demographic shifts, such as an aging population.
• Lack of necessary skills among available workers.
• Restrictive immigration policies that limit the workforce.
• Economic conditions that deter people from choosing certain professions.

In the context of industrialized countries, labor shortages become a significant concern, as these economies rely heavily on a stable and skilled workforce to maintain their growth and productivity. Addressing labor shortages often involves policy changes, such as encouraging older workers to remain in the workforce longer by eliminating mandatory retirement practices.

Mandatory Retirement

Mandatory retirement is a policy or practice where employees are required to retire at a certain age, regardless of their willingness or ability to continue working. Typically set at age sixty-five, this practice can lead to the exclusion of experienced workers from the labor force.

Mandatory retirement is often justified by societal norms and workplace dynamics such as:

• The belief that younger workers need opportunities to advance.
• The assumption that older workers may be less productive.
• Historical practices based on past life expectancies.

However, with increasing life expectancy and older people maintaining good health and productivity, the practice of mandatory retirement is outdated for many. Eliminating this rule could allow older workers to contribute longer to the economy, alleviating some labor shortages.

Industrialized Countries

Industrialized countries are nations with significant industrial capabilities, often characterized by advanced technological infrastructure and high levels of income per capita. These countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, often face unique challenges related to labor markets.

Their economies are usually:

• Highly dependent on skilled labor.
• Subject to global competition.
• Characterized by aging populations.

As industrialized countries experience demographic shifts, with a growing number of older individuals, the pressure to adapt labor policies—like reconsidering mandatory retirement—gains importance. Addressing these changes is crucial for maintaining economic growth and competitiveness on the global stage.

Older Workers

Older workers are individuals in the workforce who are approaching traditional retirement age, often considered to be around 65 years or older. This segment of the workforce brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge but is frequently overlooked due to age-related stereotypes.

The value of older workers includes:

• Possession of critical, on-the-job skills developed over decades.
• Inherent understanding of company culture and history.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.

As the workforce ages, the opportunity to harness the potential of older workers becomes vital. Encouraging continued participation beyond traditional retirement can help mitigate labor shortages, especially in industries where experienced talent is crucial.

Assumptions in Arguments

Assumptions in arguments are unstated premises or ideas that an author believes to be true in order for the argument to hold. These assumptions are often critical to evaluate the soundness of an argument.

In the context of the exercise about mandatory retirement, one key assumption is that older workers would continue working if not forced to retire. Assuming this is crucial, as it links the removal of mandatory retirement with the potential solution to labor shortages.

Common characteristics of assumptions:

• Often hidden or implicit components of reasoning.
• Necessary for bridging a gap between premises and conclusion.
• May reveal biases or oversights in the argument.

Recognizing and questioning assumptions can aid in thoroughly understanding and evaluating the strength of an argument, particularly in logical reasoning scenarios like those encountered on LSAT exams.