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>> quantity of labor This is something I don’t really understand about American business. In my experience it’s pretty common in America to have “superfluous”

>> quantity of labor This is something I don’t really understand about American business. In my experience it’s pretty common in America to have “superfluous” jobs - the Walmart greeter for example, valet parking attendants etc. etc. Now on the one hand you can say these roles aren’t superfluous at all, they’re required, maybe some people find a valet convenient (does not compute for me), maybe some customers spend more in your store after a cheery hello at the entrance. On the other hand, society works just fine without these roles and at lower overall cost. Is it a workaround for capitalism’s failings? Like “hey of course there’s a job for everyone who wants one” kind of thing and we’ll just quietly eat the cost because the flaking out on society payments (taxes to cover rule of law etc.) is cheaper overall than having a couple of extra minimum wages on the balance sheet?

AnotherGoodName 5y ago
It's actually likely due to low minimum wages. Countries with high minimum wages do not have superfluous jobs. They still end up with similar employment rates overall as the increased spending power of the bottom 50% stimulates the economy overall but there are definitely fewer bullshit jobs.
- JPKab 5y ago
  I agree with your statement here, but it should be noted that it's important to have smart minimum wages adjusted for regional cost of living. In the US, the minimum wage hikes can often result in local reductions in employment in the short-term. In the long-term, minimum wage hikes tend to not at all reduce employment, even when implemented in clumsy fashion like the US tends to do. It's a shame that conversations on these things are so politicized, because it immediately prevents nuanced discussions because ideologues pounce and label you an opponent if you try to discuss realistic details.
leetcrew 5y ago
interesting. as an american, I have just about the opposite impression of mainstream american businesses. most retail stores seem have the bare minimum number of employees to ring up customers and stock the shelves. and grocery stores are trying to eliminate the cashiers. the exceptions tend to be higher end stores or, for some reason, clothing stores. I can barely walk five feet into a gap without someone trying to help me shop. I only see valets at nice restaurants or garages that are too tight to allow customers to park their own cars. the walmart greeter is an odd exception. why do they pay someone to stand at the door and say hello but have almost no one out on the floor to help me find things I want to buy?
- Aunche 5y ago
  Walmart greeters are to deter theft. An old lady may not actually stop anyone from stealing, but neither does your average door lock. Both keep honest people honest.
- bluGill 5y ago
  In addition to the theft issues already mentioned, people in the right place help customer service and so are worth it because people feel better. As such the wal-mart greeter is cheap compared to the cost of a whole store. The cashier makes about twice as much per hour, and doesn't generally give the good feeling to customers.

AnotherGoodName 5y ago

It's actually likely due to low minimum wages. Countries with high minimum wages do not have superfluous jobs. They still end up with similar employment rates overall as the increased spending power of the bottom 50% stimulates the economy overall but there are definitely fewer bullshit jobs.

JPKab 5y ago
I agree with your statement here, but it should be noted that it's important to have smart minimum wages adjusted for regional cost of living. In the US, the minimum wage hikes can often result in local reductions in employment in the short-term. In the long-term, minimum wage hikes tend to not at all reduce employment, even when implemented in clumsy fashion like the US tends to do. It's a shame that conversations on these things are so politicized, because it immediately prevents nuanced discussions because ideologues pounce and label you an opponent if you try to discuss realistic details.

leetcrew 5y ago

interesting. as an american, I have just about the opposite impression of mainstream american businesses. most retail stores seem have the bare minimum number of employees to ring up customers and stock the shelves. and grocery stores are trying to eliminate the cashiers. the exceptions tend to be higher end stores or, for some reason, clothing stores. I can barely walk five feet into a gap without someone trying to help me shop. I only see valets at nice restaurants or garages that are too tight to allow customers to park their own cars. the walmart greeter is an odd exception. why do they pay someone to stand at the door and say hello but have almost no one out on the floor to help me find things I want to buy?

Aunche 5y ago
Walmart greeters are to deter theft. An old lady may not actually stop anyone from stealing, but neither does your average door lock. Both keep honest people honest.
bluGill 5y ago
In addition to the theft issues already mentioned, people in the right place help customer service and so are worth it because people feel better. As such the wal-mart greeter is cheap compared to the cost of a whole store. The cashier makes about twice as much per hour, and doesn't generally give the good feeling to customers.