Question

For each of the following wage/earning differentials, give the most likely reason for the differential and write a 2-4 sentence explanation. As a suggestion, a good list of reasons for the differentials is on the textbook, pp. 297-305. 1. average hourly full-time wage in Calgary, Alberta: $32.60 average hourly full-time wage in Campbellton-Miramichi. New Brunswick: $21.30 (source: https:/globalnews.ca/news/353 2423/canada-highest-lowest-wages) 2. Administrative Assistant median salary: $39,207 Executive Assistant median salary: $52.207 (source: https:/www.payscale.com/research CA/Country Canada/Salary) 3. Administrative Assistant median salary: $39,207 Software Developer median salary: $63,057 (source: https:/www.payscale.com/research/ CA/Country Canada Salary) Canadian women earned 87 cents an hour for every dollar made by men in 2015, according to new Statistics Canada data released Wednesday to mark International Women's Day 4. (source: https:/www.cbe ca/news/business statistics-canada-gender-pay-gap-1.4014954) 5. Census data from 2006 showed. at a national level, first-generation immigrants earned wages 12.6 (source: https://www.macleans.ca/news canada/new-figures show just-how-big-canadas- per cent less than the average wage of native Canadians. In 2011, the gap dropped slightly to 10 per cent, but the new census data shows it's climbed significantly to 1o per cent immigrant-wage-gap-is) MacBook Air

Answer 1

Solving first four as per policy:

1. The wage differential may exist because of any of the following reasons:
(a) Differences in productivity of labour in the two regions
(b) Availability of higher number of jobs/ opportunities in the region where wages are high
(c) Influx of immigrants in the region where wages are low

2. Differences in wages is due to difference in the experience and productivity of the two individuals. The admin assistant is most likely less experienced and hence less productive and efficient than the executive assistant!

3. Differences in wages is due to difference in the productivity of the two individuals. While, a software developer is likely to develop automated program to manage his tasks, the executive assistant would do the same tasks manually.

4. Difference in wages due to Gender. These practices have their roots in the socially perceived notion that women are less productive, less efficient than men. It is also perceived that men have a longer and more productive career than women!