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Downsizing is one of the key workforce trends of interest to sociologists. As Reel Society discusses, there are a number of negative implications of downsizing for both workers and communities. Global Exchange is a human rights organization whose concerns include downsizing. Visit their website to find out how they view the problem of downsizing, and what they propose to do about it.

Link directly to the article entitled "Globalization and the Downsizing of the American Dream" at www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/econ101/americanDream.htm.

Read through the first section of the article and answer this question:
  1. According to this article, what is the relationship between globalization and downsizing?
Next, read the section entitled "Technology Turned Against Us" and answer these questions:
  1. What role do technological advances play in downsizing?
  2. According to this article, what factors besides cost considerations might give companies a reason to replace workers with machines?
  3. How is technology impacting people who work in service-sector jobs?
Finally, read the last section entitled "What to Do about It?"
  1. What are some of the possible solutions to the "downsized" American Dream?
  2. Would you consider joining any of these efforts?







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