Why American Wages Haven’t Grown Despite Increases in Productivity
By MacKenzy Pierre
The estimated reading time for this post is 361 seconds
The United States has long been considered the land of opportunity, where hard work is supposed to lead to financial success. However, in recent decades, the wages of American workers have stagnated, even as productivity has continued to increase.
This phenomenon, known as wage stagnation, is a severe issue that affects millions of people in the United States. This article will explore the causes of wage stagnation in America, including the pros and cons of different explanations.
What is Wage Stagnation?
Wage stagnation refers to wages remaining stagnant or growing slowly over a long period. In the United States, real wages (adjusted for inflation) for most workers have barely increased over the past few decades, even as productivity has continued to rise.
In other words, workers are producing more goods and services per hour worked but are not receiving a commensurate wage increase.
Causes of Wage Stagnation:
There are several potential causes of wage stagnation in America, and economists have debated the relative importance of each. Some of the most commonly cited reasons include:
- Declining Union Membership:
Union membership in the United States has declined significantly over the past few decades. In 1983, 20.1% of American workers were union members; by 2020, that number had fallen to 10.8%.
Unions are known for negotiating higher wages and better working conditions for their members. As union membership has declined, workers have lost an important bargaining tool, which may have contributed to wage stagnation.
- Globalization and Trade:
The rise of globalization and international trade has profoundly impacted the American economy. While globalization has led to lower prices for many goods and services, it has also increased competition for American workers.
Companies can now move production to countries with lower labor costs, which puts downward pressure on American wages. Some economists argue that globalization has significantly driven wage stagnation in the United States.
- Automation and Technology:
Advances in automation and technology have also significantly impacted the American labor market. Automation has replaced many routine, manual jobs, once a source of employment for millions of Americans.
Workers are forced to compete for other jobs as these jobs disappear, which can put downward pressure on wages. Additionally, technology has made it easier for companies to monitor and manage their workers, which may also have contributed to wage stagnation.
- Weak Labor Market:
The labor market in the United States has been relatively weak for the past few decades.
Unemployment rates have been high, and many workers have been underemployed (i.e., working part-time when they prefer to work full-time). Workers have less bargaining power when the labor market is weak, which can lead to lower wages.
- Education and Skill Mismatches:
Some economists argue that wage stagnation is due to a mismatch between the skills that workers have and the skills that employers need.
The demand for workers with advanced skills has increased as the economy has become more technologically advanced. However, many workers lack the skills to fill these jobs. This may have contributed to wage stagnation for workers with less education and fewer skills.
Pros and Cons of Different Explanations:
Each of the above explanations has its pros and cons. For example, declining union membership may have contributed to wage stagnation. Still, it is also possible that unions were overvalued in the past and that their decline reflects changing attitudes toward work and employment.
Similarly, while globalization and trade may have put downward pressure on wages, they have also led to lower consumer prices, which can benefit workers in other ways.
Similarly, automation and technology have led to job displacement and wage stagnation, but they have also led to increased productivity and the creation of new jobs in other sectors.
It is also possible that the weak labor market and education and skill mismatches are symptoms of deeper structural issues in the economy, such as a lack of investment in education and training or a mismatch between the needs of businesses and the skills of the workforce.
Overall, it is likely that wage stagnation is caused by a combination of these factors rather than any one explanation. Each element may have had a different impact on other groups of workers, depending on factors such as their level of education, occupation, and geographic location.
Impacts of Wage Stagnation:
The impact of wage stagnation has been significant for American workers, particularly those in lower-paying jobs.
Workers who earn low wages may struggle to afford necessities such as housing, healthcare, and food. This can increase stress, lower job satisfaction, and a higher likelihood of chronic health problems.
Additionally, wage stagnation may contribute to income inequality, as those in higher-paying jobs continue to see their wages grow while those in lower-paying positions do not.
Wage stagnation may also have broader economic impacts. Workers with less money to spend may be less likely to purchase goods and services, which can slow economic growth. Additionally, wage stagnation may contribute to disillusionment among workers, which can lead to social and political unrest.
Possible Solutions to Wage Stagnation:
There are several possible solutions to wage stagnation in America, although each has pros and cons. Some of the most commonly proposed solutions include:
- Raising the Minimum Wage:
One of the most straightforward solutions to wage stagnation is to raise the minimum wage. The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009 and currently stands at $7.25 per hour.
Some states and cities have implemented higher minimum wages, but many workers still earn less than a living wage. Raising the minimum wage could help to increase wages for millions of workers, although it could also lead to job losses in some sectors.
- Strengthening Labor Unions:
Another solution is to strengthen labor unions and collective bargaining rights for workers. Blocks are known for negotiating higher wages and better working conditions for their members.
By increasing union membership and bargaining power, workers may be able to negotiate better wages and benefits. However, this solution may be challenging to implement in a political climate skeptical of unions and collective bargaining.
- Investing in Education and Training:
Investing in education and training for workers could help address the skills mismatches contributing to wage stagnation.
By providing workers with the skills they need to compete in a changing economy, they may be able to command higher wages. However, this solution requires significant investment and may take years or even decades to bear fruit.
- Reducing Inequality:
Finally, reducing income and wealth inequality could help to address wage stagnation. When a small percentage of the population holds a significant portion of the wealth, it can lead to downward pressure on wages for everyone else.
Policies such as progressive taxation, a wealth tax, and increased social spending could help to reduce inequality and increase wages for low- and middle-income workers.
Conclusion:
Wage stagnation in America is a serious issue that affects millions of workers. The causes of wage stagnation are complex and multifaceted, and the solutions will likely be equally difficult.
While raising the minimum wage, strengthening labor unions, investing in education and training, and reducing inequality are all potential solutions, each has pros and cons.
Addressing wage stagnation will ultimately require a concerted effort from policymakers, business leaders, and workers. By working together, it may be possible to ensure that hard work is
Senior Accounting & Finance Professional|Lifehacker|Amateur Oenophile
RELATED ARTICLES
What Matters to Middle-Class Voters
The estimated reading time for this post is 572 seconds Introduction Middle-class voters are the backbone of the American electorate. Their votes decide elections, and their voices shape national policy. In the 2020 presidential election, for example, middle-class suburban voters...
The Nouveau Riche and the U.S. Tax Code: A Tale of Unequal Burdens
The estimated reading time for this post is 188 seconds The lingering shadows of the Gilded Age stretch into the present, casting a long silhouette over America’s economic landscape. Families like the Waltons, the Mars clan, and the Cargill-MacMillans stand...
Leave Comment
Cancel reply
Zero-Based Budgeting: A Guide on Tracking Every Dollar to Maximize Savings
10 Credit Cards with the Highest Annual Percentage Rates (APR) on Purchases and Cash Advances
The Hidden Costs of Financial Procrastination
Gig Economy
American Middle Class / Oct 29, 2024
Zero-Based Budgeting: A Guide on Tracking Every Dollar to Maximize Savings
The estimated reading time for this post is 324 seconds Introduction: Why Zero-Based Budgeting? Have you ever gotten to the end of the month and wondered...
By Article Posted by Staff Contributor
American Middle Class / Oct 26, 2024
10 Credit Cards with the Highest Annual Percentage Rates (APR) on Purchases and Cash Advances
The estimated reading time for this post is 362 seconds When you’re on the hunt for a credit card, there are many things to consider—the rewards...
By Article Posted by Staff Contributor
American Middle Class / Oct 18, 2024
The Hidden Costs of Financial Procrastination
The estimated reading time for this post is 354 seconds You might think delaying your financial decisions isn’t a big deal. But let me tell you,...
By Article Posted by Staff Contributor
American Middle Class / Oct 17, 2024
What to Do If You Are Underwater on Your Car Loan
The estimated reading time for this post is 386 seconds Being underwater on your car loan can feel like you’re sinking financially, but you’re not alone....
By MacKenzy Pierre
American Middle Class / Oct 16, 2024
Household Debt Is Rising: What This Means for You
The estimated reading time for this post is 255 seconds In the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s second quarter of 2024, household debt in the...
By FMC Editorial Team
American Middle Class / Oct 15, 2024
A Plan to Grow Your FICO Score
The estimated reading time for this post is 290 seconds You can’t build a solid financial future if your FICO score is holding you back. It’s...
By Article Posted by Staff Contributor
American Middle Class / Oct 14, 2024
Is Bankruptcy the Right Move for You?
The estimated reading time for this post is 439 seconds Bankruptcy is often considered a last resort, a drastic measure for those struggling under the weight...
By Article Posted by Staff Contributor
American Middle Class / Oct 13, 2024
What Matters to Middle-Class Voters
The estimated reading time for this post is 572 seconds Introduction Middle-class voters are the backbone of the American electorate. Their votes decide elections, and their...
By MacKenzy Pierre
American Middle Class / Oct 08, 2024
Jumbo Residential Mortgages: Your Jumbo Mortgage Guide
The estimated reading time for this post is 362 seconds If you’ve been looking at buying a luxury home or property in a high-cost area, you’ve...
By MacKenzy Pierre
American Middle Class / Oct 06, 2024
Does Paying Off Collections Improve Your Credit Score? Here’s What You Need to Know
The estimated reading time for this post is 170 seconds The answer to whether paying off collections will improve your credit score is: it depends. If...
By MacKenzy Pierre
Latest Reviews
American Middle Class / Oct 29, 2024
Zero-Based Budgeting: A Guide on Tracking Every Dollar to Maximize Savings
The estimated reading time for this post is 324 seconds Introduction: Why Zero-Based Budgeting? Have...
American Middle Class / Oct 26, 2024
10 Credit Cards with the Highest Annual Percentage Rates (APR) on Purchases and Cash Advances
The estimated reading time for this post is 362 seconds When you’re on the hunt...
American Middle Class / Oct 18, 2024
The Hidden Costs of Financial Procrastination
The estimated reading time for this post is 354 seconds You might think delaying your...