Question

In the past half-century, while the number of people employed in manufacturing in the United States has decreased slightly, the output per worker has increased significantly.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

True, the number of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. has decreased slightly while output per worker has increased significantly in the past half-century, reflecting heightened productivity despite reduced labor in the sector. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the number of people employed in manufacturing in the United States has decreased slightly, while output per worker has increased significantly in the past half-century is TRUE. Over the last fifty years, there has been a notable shift in the United States manufacturing landscape. While the actual number of manufacturing jobs has gone down due to a range of factors, including global competition and advancements in technology, the productivity of individual workers has risen considerably. This increase in productivity can be attributed to several factors, including but not limited to advancements in technology, increased automation, better education, and training for workers. For instance, U.S. labor statistics reveal a substantial rise in output per hour worked, indicating that the average U.S. worker in 2014 produced over twice as much per hour as they did in the early 1970s. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider that this productivity increase does not directly translate into a proportional increase in workers' wages or their living standards, as affected by factors like inflation and changes in income distribution.