Subject
Wages -- United States Books
Best books
J. Elliot (John Elliot) Ross
Consumers and Wage-Earners: The Ethics of Buying Cheap
"Consumers and Wage-Earners: The Ethics of Buying Cheap" by J. Elliot Ross is a socio-economic treatise written in the early 20th century. This work addresses the ethical implications of consumer choices in relation to labor conditions, particularly focusing on the responsibilities of consumers toward fair wages for workers. The book explores the interconnectedness of the consuming class and wage-earners, raising critical questions about economic justice and moral obligation. At the start of the text, Ross introduces a poignant comparison between a child purchasing a prize-bag and the young women laboring under poor conditions to produce these items. He uses this analogy to frame the broader issues of exploitation in industry, suggesting that consumers who seek cheap prices are, perhaps unknowingly, complicit in sustaining unjust labor practices. The opening portion not only sets the stage for exploring the obligations consumers have toward the wage-earners but also establishes a critical perspective on the nature of economic responsibilities in modern society. Ross argues that if employers fail to uphold their duties to laborers, the consuming class must consider their own ethical obligations regarding fair labor practices and wages.
Herbert Feis
The Settlement of Wage Disputes
"The Settlement of Wage Disputes" by Herbert Feis is an analytical publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complex dynamics of wage conflicts in the United States, primarily focusing on the underlying economic forces that dictate wage levels and the various principles that could guide future wage settlements. At the start of the book, Feis introduces the recurring struggles between employers and wage earners, emphasizing that these conflicts extend beyond mere wage disputes to include broader issues within the industrial framework. He outlines the need for a coherent and principled approach to wage settlement, drawing upon past experiences and methodologies from various industrial contexts. The opening portion establishes a background of the industrial landscape and sets the stage for Feis's exploration of theoretical frameworks needed to develop consistent policies for resolving wage disputes in a way that promotes industrial peace.
Recently surfaced classics