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The problem now is automation, but that's because all of the jobs that couldn't be automated have already been shipped overseas. I argue that automation, global
by dukeluke 10y ago
The problem now is automation, but that's because all of the jobs that couldn't be automated have already been shipped overseas. I argue that automation, globalization, and arguably illegal immigration are the three largest factors gutting the lower and middle classes in America. Also, you don't have to give better jobs to everyone, just a big chunk. There are ~10 million illegal immigrants in the US, which has a population of ~300 million. Right or wrong, shipping them out or giving some sort of work visa(to require at least minimum wage pay) would raise demand for lower class jobs to the point where lower and middle class wages may finally start rising again.
Edited to recognize the open debate on illegal immigration. I don't understand how illegal immigration could lead to a better job outlook for the lower class. If anyone has some info on that, I'd appreciate it.
- zimzam 10y agoNope: you forget that immigrants (legal or otherwise) increase demand for goods in their local economy which creates demand for jobs to fulfill these goods. Research shows that this demand creates more jobs than the immigrants "consume".
- mistermann 10y ago> Research shows that this demand creates more jobs than the immigrants "consume". This seems a bit counter-intuitive to me, could you point me to any research?
- closeparen 10y agoJobs are made possible by consumption. Illegal immigrants are consumers too. Without them, we'd have fewer workers competing for jobs, which seems like a good thing, but we'd also have fewer jobs to go around because of decreased consumption.
- mistermann 10y agoThat's a fine theory but do you have any proof?
- zimzam 10y agoThis episode of the "Science Vs" podcast goes over a lot of research on immigration including what I mentioned about job creation: https://gimletmedia.com/episode/immigration/ https://gimletmedia.com/episode/immigration/
- tomrod 10y agoThe first two are on point. The third is politically motivated. The question of whether illegal immigrants contribute more to everyone is still relatively open: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_impact_of_illegal_immigrants_in_the_United_States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_impact_of_illegal_imm...