Is Work More Insecure and Unequal

SOCIOLOGY 321

Sociology of Work and Industry

“Has Work Become More Unsecure and Unequal?”

March 01 2011

SOCIOLOGY 321 – ASSIGNMENT TWO

INTRODUCTION

“I don’t want to change the world, let the CEO’s do that. Just give me a job, and I’ll get it done.” (Ehrenreich, 2005. pg 199) A sentiment felt by most Canadians however occupational inequality and insecurity appears to be common place in the Canadian workplace. The purpose of this paper is to explore if work has become more unequal and unsecure. In this process, the Labour Market theories will be explored as well as effects of inequality and insecurity on social groups. Finally, there will be a review of some of the common policies and program that are in place to help alleviate the effects and prevent inequality and insecurity.

CAUSES OF INEQUALITY IN THE LABOUR MARKET

Inequality refers to “the different statuses, experiences and outcomes among different groupings of individuals.” (Critoph,2010a. Pg 63) Insecurity refers “to the lack of dependable income and work and to the presence of dangerous and difficult working conditions.”(Critoph,2010a. Pg 63)

Labour market economists and sociologists look to theories of Labour Market Segmentation to explain inequality and insecurity. Within Labour Market Segmentation, there are three separate models: Dual Economies; Internal Labour Markets and Labour Market Shelters.

In the theory of Labour Market Segmentation it indicates that the “labour market is neither single not unified, and that at least two distinguishable segments can be found.”(Krahn, Lowe & Hughes 2011. Pg 136)In this theory, two labour markets can be found: Primary labour market and Secondary labour market.

The primary is comprised of the “good jobs”, mostly of a permanent, full-time, year round basis, while the secondary (i.e. bad jobs) contains non-standard, contingent and precarious work where it is temporary, part-time, contract and self-employed. There is little to no movement...