Some politicians have recently proposed ideas that would encourage or require more businesses to operate as “co-ops” or “worker-owned” businesses. In such businesses, the workers and the bosses get paid the same amount of money and have an equal say in the management of the business.
1) Do you believe that more businesses should be run in such a manner, as cooperatives in which the owner and employees make roughly the same amount of money?
2) What are the potential drawbacks to the owners of such an idea? What about drawbacks to the workers?
3) If you like the idea of “worker-owned” businesses, should the government require businesses to operate in such a manner? Why or why not?
4) Why do you think some politicians may want to pass laws that would require more businesses to become cooperatives?
5) Please watch the following two videos and answer the following questions.
Capitalism: A Love Story – Workplace Democracy and Cooperatives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VdbFzwe8fQ
Why Capitalism Works
Describe the main points of EACH video. What evidence do they present to reach their overall conclusions?
Which of these two videos makes the most sensible economic conclusions? WHY? Be specific.
