Right-To-Work Laws

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Hofstede’s research has categorized the traits of masculinity and femininity into five different areas, social norms, political and economics, religion, work, and family and school. While determining where the states rank on this scale, some areas of this research need to be expanded upon. The areas that will be focused on in this research will be business laws, religion, gun control laws, women in the legislative offices and the political culture in America that ties it all together. Two areas of the masculinity trait that Hofstede describes is economics and work. While these areas could be independently measured on their own, for this study they will be combined under business laws. Some states have policies to promote business growth within…show more content…
One business law that has swept across the United States is called the “Right-To-Work” law. “The Determinants and Effects of Right-To-Work Laws: A Review of the Recent Literature,” by William J. Moore explores states that have adopted the Right-To-Work laws. “Poorer states (measured in terms of economic development, wages, or income) are more likely to adopt an RTW law because of their greater need for industrialization” (Moore 1998). The laws were adopted in poorer states to stimulate economic growth. On the other end of the spectrum are the states that are promoting better working conditions for their citizens. According to Hofstede, the quality of life and people are important to the more feminine quality. For this research, the measurement of states with business laws that promote social welfare will be applied. “Mainstream scholars simply assume that the welfare state is a mechanism for making society more egalitarian; they routinely refer to systems of social provision…show more content…
Hofstede also ranks a high masculinity trait is the importance of religion. In the recent political climate it is easy to see where religious issues like pro-life is becoming more masculine. In the book, Religion, Culture and Politics in the Twentieth-century United States, Mark Hulsether discusses the way religion has shaped American culture. Hulsether also refers to religious Americans as being more concerned with wealth and power, as was discussed earlier economics is another masculine trait. “One minister toured the nation giving a speech called ‘Acres of Diamonds’ that spoke of the abounding opportunities for success that not only made it easy to become rich, but even made it one’s duty to become rich. Such writings encouraged people to believe - although this was outrageous distortion of real life - that being poor was evidence of laziness and immorality” (Hulsether 2007). While Hofstede does not mention abortion laws as a feminine quality, the laws seem to be in direct opposition with religious values. Robert Wuthnow explores the issues of religious politics in the book, Red State Religion: Faith and Politics in America’s Heartland. One of the most important policies that divide American politics is the abortion issue, “Clergy and parishioners organized pro-life groups, hired lobbyist, participated in demonstrations, and were arrested.
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