Is the United States in danger of losing its competitive edge in science and technology (S&T)? This concern has been raised repeatedly since the end of the Cold War, most recently in a wave of reports in the mid-2000s suggesting that globalization and the growing strength of other nations in S&T, coupled with inadequate U.S. investments in…

The modern economic role of women emerged in four phases. The first three were evolutionary; the last was revolutionary. Phase I occurred from the late nineteenth century to the 1920s; Phase II was from 1930 to 1950; Phase III extended from 1950 to the late 1970s; and Phase IV, the "quiet revolution," began in the late 1970s and is still ongoing.…

Globalization is putting increasing pressure on jobs in the United Kingdom, particularly among less skilled activities. The European response through the Lisbon Strategy has been diffuse, while UK policy appears much more focused, concentrating on the need to raise education and skill levels. The present paper examines the transition towards a…

The modern South is a thriving region that is increasingly like the rest of the United States; however, that has not always been the case. Indeed, the political history of the American South is one that has been focused on the integration of this historically underdeveloped region into the remainder of American society, economically (especially in…

The arithmetic processes of aggregation and averaging are basic to quantitative investigations of employment, unemployment, and related concepts. In explaining these concepts, this report stresses need for accuracy and consistency in measurements, and describes tools for analyzing alternative measures. (BH)

The main point of this essay is that the only sound energy and environmental policy is one that serves the needs of Labor. The role of Labor in the conflicts between energy, environment, and employment is discussed. (MDR)

The author discusses marginality as a theoretical concept, which becomes meaningful in the framework of the hypotheses set by historical materialism. (Editor)

Japan is experiencing the aging of its labor force. Despite the fear that this will have an adverse effect on the economy, studies conducted by management and economists indicate that demographic and retirement system changes are unlikely to lower productivity. (SK)

Manufacturing productivity slowed or declined in 1980 and unit labor costs accelerated, as output generally turned downward in the United States and 10 industrial nations; compensation was up in most countries but was offset by gains in consumer prices. (Author)

"Gross flow" data from the Current Population Survey help to identify the labor market movements that underlie changes in the monthly rates of male and female unemployment over the past two decades. (Author)

Freidson's contributions include a new concept of professions rooted in social organization of labor markets; analysis of professional control resulting from knowledge monopolies and gatekeeping activities; and defense of professions against critics who view their powers as unnecessary or harmful. (SK)

Analysis of data from 2,542 respondents in the 1988 Displaced Workers Survey assessed the effects of written advance notice of plant closings on reemployment and earnings. Results suggest that notification was effective in reducing earnings losses and the probability of unemployment only when received two months before the plant closing. (SK)

This article explores the connections between literacy, economy, and place through an examination of labor market intermediaries (LMIs). In particular, the article addresses the shifting role of LMIs over the past thirty years in Lake County, Indiana, and how they have developed as literacy sponsors. The article looks beyond the boundaries of…

Selig Perlman's influences as a teacher and his writings, including volumes one, two, and four of the History of Labor in the United States and A Theory of the Labor Movement, are appraised. He taught at the University of Wisconsin School for Workers at Madison and supported trade union development. (LH)