Principles of Political Economy · John Stuart Mill
WAGES.
62. On what, according to Mill, does the rate of wages depend? Hence, show the fallacy of the popularly proposed remedies for low wages. 63. State and examine the principal theories which have been put forward as to the circumstances which regulate the general rate of wages, saying which you deem to be correct, and why so. 64. Mr. Thornton argues that the wages-fund is neither “determined” nor “limited”: not “determined,” because there is no “law” to compel capitalists to devote any portion of their wealth to the payment of labor, nor are they morally “bound” to do so; and not “limited,” because there is nothing to prevent them from adding to the portion of their wealth so applied. Criticise this argument, and, if you dissent from Mr. Thornton’s view, state the causes which “determine” and “limit” the fund in question. 65. State precisely what you mean by the “wages-fund,” and explain the conditions on which its growth depends. 66. Explain generally the circumstances which determine the rate of wages. Mention some of the reasons why wages should be higher in one occupation than in another. 67. In what way does dearness or cheapness of food affect money wages? 68. What determines— (1.) The general rate of wages in a country? (2.) The relative rates of wages in different employments?
69. What causes different rates of wages in different employments, and by what methods might wages be raised? 70. How do you explain the fact that some of the most disagreeable kinds of labor are the most badly paid? 71. What, according to Mr. Mill, are the most promising means for the improvement of the laboring-classes? 72. In the Island of Laputa a law was passed compelling each workman to work with his left hand tied behind his back, and the law was justified on the ground that the demand for labor was more than doubled by it. Examine this argument. 73. Some coal-workers are calling for a diminution of the output of coal, so as to keep up their wages. Examine how far, if at all, this result would follow from their proposed action. 74. Discuss any remedies for low wages that have been or might be suggested. 75. Why are the wages of women habitually lower than those of men?
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