Question

11. We currently pay well over minimum wage to the people who come to pick up our trash. Which theory uses this as part of its argument to keep our current capitalist economgic system?

Answer 1

The theory that uses this as part of its argument to keep our current capitalist economic system is the neoclassical economic theory. According to neoclassical economics, wages should be determined by the supply and demand for labor in the market. In this theory, if there is high demand for a particular type of labor, the wages for that labor will naturally rise due to competition among employers for the available workers.

Therefore, the fact that trash collectors are paid well over the minimum wage is seen as a reflection of the demand for their services, and the willingness of employers to pay higher wages to attract and retain workers in this field. Neoclassical economics would argue that this is a natural and efficient outcome of market forces, and that government intervention in the form of minimum wage laws or other labor regulations could interfere with the functioning of the market and lead to unintended consequences.

Answer 2

B) Structural Functionalists, because there are a variety of roles that need to be occupied, there must be an incentive to ensure people will occupy all roles.

Structural Functionalists argue that in any society, there are various roles and functions that need to be fulfilled for the system to work smoothly.

According to this theory, there is a need for different levels of reward or incentive to motivate individuals to take on diverse roles based on their skills and contributions.

In the context of your question, paying well over minimum wage to those who pick up trash aligns with the idea that there should be incentives or rewards for individuals performing essential but potentially less desirable roles, ensuring the functioning of the overall societal structure.