Question

Which of the following is the most likely reason for falling union membership in industrialized countries?

A. rising proportion of temporary and part-time workers
B. a decrease in the proportion of white-collar and service workers as proportionate to manufacturing workers
C. a reduced number of firms offshoring white-collar jobs
D. the declining popularity of unions among the older generations

Answer 1

Option (C), The decline in union membership is mostly attributed to the transition from manufacturing to service industries, where unions have been less successful in organizing, as well as the effects of globalization and changes in workplace regulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely reason for falling union membership in industrialized countries is the shift from manufacturing to service industries. This transition has occurred alongside the rise in globalization and an increase in government social benefits and workplace regulations.

In particular, union strength was historically concentrated in manufacturing sectors, but as job growth shifted to service industries and government roles, union influence in these new sectors did not grow at the same rate. Additionally, many workers' wages, even if they are not union members, are determined by union negotiations in some countries, making official membership less critical.