Special+Assignment+No.+3

Martie (Citation)

Greenstone, M., & Looney, A. (2010). Renewing economically distressed american communities. Issues in Science & Technology, 27(2), 59-67. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Agnes (Introduction and background)

The article I reviewed was a prospective study done in 2010 by Greenstone, M., & Looney, A; (1) title of the article was Renewing economically distressed American communities. (2) the purpose of this article was to describe the observable barriers communities in distress face, due to downsizing or closure of certain industries. The authors argue not all distressed communities recover equally after downsizing or closure of certain industries, and that a well targeted polices for federal aid is needed to speed the pace of recovery. This article points out the barriers of displaced workers, such as unemployment, mass layoffs, permanent income loss, lower earn wages, effects on workers’ health, and workforce skills possess by these workers may no longer be needed in today’s communities’. The authors believe there is evidence that well-targeted resolution changes in policies may be able to speed the pace of recovery, such as federal aid for displaced workers, grants for education, matching workers to new jobs and retraining during recessions.

Draft #2 (Introduction/Background) The article I reviewed was a study done in 2010 by Greenstone, M., & Looney, A; (1) title of the article was Renewing economically distressed American communities. (2) the purpose of this article was to describe the observable barriers communities in distress face, due to downsizing or closure of certain industries. The design of the study claim not all distressed communities recover equally after downsizing or closure of certain industries, and that a well targeted polices for federal aid is needed to speed the pace of recovery. This article points out the barriers of displaced workers, such as unemployment, mass layoffs, permanent income loss, lower earn wages, effects on workers’ health, and workforce skills possess by these workers may no longer be needed in today’s communities’. The strongest argument for government participation is, research shows the economic adjustment will take longer and is harsher than previously recognized. In many distressed communities, post recession rate of economic growth will remain below the rest of the nation for decades. This study suggests that there are substantial barriers to recovery and to overcome these barriers it requires help from the federal government. The study’s outcomes are evidence that a well-targeted resolution changes in policies may be able to speed the pace of recovery, such as federal aid for displaced workers, grants for education, matching workers to new jobs and retraining during recessions.

Gene (Results)

This article explains that large communities do not fare equally well after recessions and other economic shocks. They explained that economic research to that a national economic strategy to aid distressed communities is both appropriate and necessary. They propose a basket of options that could begin the process of restoring good jobs to local workers. Evidence suggests that local economic shocks have long-lasting effects on local labor markets. Also job loss has calamitous effects on workers health and families. The article recommend that if the industries return to full capacity or new industries move in, distressed communities could face long-lasting economic hardship. They recommend a three pronged approach. First is attracting new businesses that can provide jobs, raise wages, and provide local services. Two is aiding displaced workers and three is matching workers to new jobs. They also recommend that improving policy by learning what works.

Jose (Conclusion and discussion)

All:

Explain why the selected research report/article is related to the "class problem."

Martie: The authors point out problems of displaced workers such as permanent income loss, effects on health, and even the fact that the skills possessed by the workers may no longer be needed in today's workforce.

Gene: I belive that the author of this article points out three great ideas on how to fix the problem. This has a lot to do with our problem and that is what happens to the worker that gets let go.

Agnes: This article points out the barriers of displaced workers, such as unemployment, mass layoffs, permanent income loss, lower earn wages, effects on workers’ health, and workforce skills possess by these workers may no longer be needed in today’s communities’.

Jose:

Irene: While Greenstone and Looney's article is not exactly the same as our research question, “What barriers do displaced workers face?” it does provide reliable, relevant data—both qualitative (descriptive and explanatory) and quantitative (statistical analysis)—that helps inform our own work and the problem we are investigating. The authors also:
 * Cite significant studies of other respected researchers in the field
 * Examine longitudinal and current data from reliable sources (ex. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
 * Identify gaps in research and lack of tracking program outcomes
 * Provide evidence of shortfalls of existing national policy
 * Offer recommendations for action, and
 * Are considered subject matter experts within this field.

The article’s main focus is on the need for national policies to speed the pace of recovery of economically distressed communities; however, through its economic research, it also examines the barriers that impact //the displaced worker//, including: lower wages upon reemployment and long-run earnings losses; effects on health; outdated or obsolete skills; need for retraining, inaccessibility to educational loans; and associated costs of moving. In addition, the article provides insight into the social, cultural, and political phenomena of displaced workers, which supports the perspective of ethnography, our theoretical framework.