Labor Relations

A Resurgence of Class Consciousness?

For the past several weeks we have discussed several topics that seemed to overlap with both the present, as well as the past. For your first exam/paper (due Sunday, April 5th) please answer the following question: Do you think that a resurgence of class consciousness will occur due to everything that has happened so far in 2020, as well as the debates that have occurred since the Great Recession?

Your argument must discuss specific events and debates. As an example, the debates around paid-leave and unemployment over the past month, or the debate over a livable-wage since the Great Recession. The debated and now (almost passed) stimulus package is rife with potential for this paper too. But, while there is no specified number of these examples necessary in a paper, you must outline the context of each example used (the why) and the arguments on both (the what) and then whether you think it is indicative of a resurgence. You must cite newspaper articles, as well as utilize material we have discussed in class and/or the textbook. Finally, you must connect the idea of class consciousness with the overall class topic of labor/employment rights.

You can (and should) rely on much of the research and work done with the discussion board posts. But, copy and pasting from the discussion boards will not be accepted.

The paper is expected to be a minimum of 4-pages long, typed. The grade, however, is not dependent on length, nor are they dependent on the answer. Grades will be based on how well the argument is made. It is worth 50 points.