Final answer:
High-skilled, high-wage American workers, especially in sectors where the US has a comparative advantage, are least affected by outsourcing. Low-skilled workers face more negative impacts, but factors like intra-industry trade mitigate some effects of globalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the impact of outsourcing in the American labor market, it's essential to differentiate between high-skilled, high-wage workers and low-skilled, low-wage workers. High-skilled, high-wage workers in industries where the United States has a comparative advantage, such as in the technology, machinery, and pharmaceutical sectors, tend to be the least adversely affected by outsourcing. These professionals are involved in the export of sophisticated products, which may benefit from the globalization process. On the other hand, low-skilled workers, particularly those in manufacturing roles, have been more negatively impacted by the migration of jobs to countries with lower-wage labor forces.
Despite concerns, it's worth noting that certain factors like intra-industry trade help to mitigate the negative effects of globalization on low-skilled workers. Approximately half of U.S. trade consists of exchanging similar products with other high-wage economies, indicating that while some jobs are outsourced, there are also opportunities for trade and employment within high-skill, high-wage sectors that are resilient to the effects of outsourcing.