Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the change in Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from 2015 to 2018?
What was the change in Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from 2015 to 2018?
What is one of the limitations of the Employment Insurance fund?
What is one of the limitations of the Employment Insurance fund?
What does the Pay Equity Act aim to address?
What does the Pay Equity Act aim to address?
Which of the following factors is NOT considered a social determinant of health?
Which of the following factors is NOT considered a social determinant of health?
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What is a primary goal of social investment as described in the content?
What is a primary goal of social investment as described in the content?
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What significant trend occurred in income inequality during the 1980s?
What significant trend occurred in income inequality during the 1980s?
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Which of the following represents the characteristics of precarious labor?
Which of the following represents the characteristics of precarious labor?
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Underemployment is particularly common among which group of workers?
Underemployment is particularly common among which group of workers?
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Which group is most likely to be classified as working poor?
Which group is most likely to be classified as working poor?
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What is a significant factor contributing to higher unemployment rates among racialized youth compared to non-racialized youth?
What is a significant factor contributing to higher unemployment rates among racialized youth compared to non-racialized youth?
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What obstacles do disabled persons face in the labor market?
What obstacles do disabled persons face in the labor market?
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How do income inequalities impact health issues among marginalized communities?
How do income inequalities impact health issues among marginalized communities?
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Which factor is NOT associated with changes in the Canadian labor market?
Which factor is NOT associated with changes in the Canadian labor market?
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Study Notes
Introduction
- Social problems can be linked to declining socioeconomic status, which impacts well-being and health.
- Income inequalities in Canada have fluctuated, increasing in the 1990s and leading to higher income earners replacing lower earners.
- Marginalized communities continue to experience inequalities and live below the poverty line.
Labour Market Changes
- Globalization, technological advancements, unionization, and precariousness of labor have influenced the Canadian labor market.
- Globalization and technology have contributed to job losses and changes in employment structures.
- Unionization has declined, leading to a rise in precarious work.
- Pension plan cuts have impacted retirement security.
- The number of educated workers has increased, while women have become more integrated into the workforce.
Precarious Labour
- Insecure, non-unionized employment with limited rights, poor pay, and future uncertainties.
- Common in part-time and seasonal contracts.
- Impacts on health, safety, job security, access to healthcare, education, and mental health.
Underemployment
- Occurs when a job requires skills exceeding the worker's qualifications, leading to underutilization of skills.
- Common among immigrant workers, especially Indian doctors, who face challenges with accreditation and racialized labor systems.
- Visible underemployment involves fewer hours and multiple jobs, while invisible underemployment occurs in full-time jobs with no training or skill application.
Working Poor
- Individuals aged 18-64, independent, not students, earning at least $3,000 per year.
- Many belong to marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and racialized individuals.
- Face unstable jobs, unpredictable hours, and fewer benefits.
- Newcomers often struggle due to lack of Canadian work experience and education.
Youth Unemployment and Indigenous Youth
- Racialized and Indigenous youth are more likely to be NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) due to factors like colonization.
- Surveys often exclude those living on reserves, leading to social exclusion.
- Racialized individuals experience higher unemployment rates compared to non-racialized individuals.
- Income inequality between racialized and non-racialized Canadians extends to subsequent generations.
- Accumulated discrimination increases health issues and poverty.
- Immigrants face racism and gender discrimination, while disabled individuals face barriers to education, employment, and social participation.
- Indigenous children are among the most marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups.
Addressing the Problem
- Reducing inequality requires access to education, safe working conditions, job security, a social safety net, and addressing discrimination..
- Government reduced Employment Insurance premiums from 1.88% to 1.66% in 2018, reducing EI funding by $3.6 billion per year over seven years.
- The EI fund faces challenges in accessibility and adequacy, impacting temporary workers, women in precarious work, and international students.
- The Pay Equity Act aims to address systemic gender-based discrimination in compensation practices.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has increased calls for a universal basic income, which could help reduce poverty and improve lives.
- Worker's Compensation is an insurance program designed to replace the tort system, providing support for dependents in case of a worker's death or work-related injuries.
- Workfare, which requires unemployed individuals to work as a condition for social assistance, reinforces the myth that poverty is a result of individual responsibility.
Per Capita Income
- Measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, used to compare economic standing across countries and population groups.
- Aims to increase productivity through innovation, investment in machinery, foreign direct investment, and infrastructure.
- Limitations of per capita income highlight the need for social investment to address specific population needs.
Social Investment
- Emphasizes health and well-being, educational attainment, lifelong learning, and workplace training.
- Focuses on addressing social determinants of health such as income, education, race, disability, gender, Indigenous status, health services, social exclusion, housing, food security, unemployment, job security, and working conditions.
Changing Labour Market: Solutions
- Addresses the urgent need for solutions to challenges presented by the changing labor market, including precarious work, underemployment, and income inequality.
- Calls for policies that promote inclusive economic opportunities, strengthen social safety nets, and address systemic inequalities.
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Description
This quiz explores the relationship between socioeconomic status and social problems in Canada, focusing on income inequalities and the labor market. It examines the impacts of globalization, technological advancements, and unionization on job security and the rise of precarious labor. Test your knowledge on these important social and economic issues.