This study explores what is regarded as a workforce crisis in this country through an in-depth analysis of policy responses to job training strategies directed at the poor. Using a value critical approach which focuses on underlying ideological premises, the traditional economic and socio-political theories that define unemployment and persistent poverty are reviewed. Then, the strength of this interpretation is compared with alternative explanations, including dual and segmented labor market theories, to reframe the problems and reexamine the causes. / By tracing the history of welfare policy development and looking closely at the conventional beliefs shaping job training legislation, this research reveals how the legislative intent has evolved up until now without substantial change even though this country has experienced dramatic, structural changes in its economy and workplaces. Policymakers accept supply-side interpretations within human capital theory as an explanation for the economic crisis and blame the rise in poverty and joblessness on a skills shortage. However, a critical analysis of today's postindustrial labor markets disputes this claim and focuses attention on the underutilization of labor, and the nature of new jobs. / The enactment of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) under the Reagan administration epitomizes a reversal in policy toward a philosophy of the New Right. Changes in JTPA's design offers insight into ulterior political motivations that have impeded training the poor and jobless for meaningful work. Authority for program plans resides with business-dominated councils, training allowances are restricted, and a system of performance-management imposes national standards for job placements without accommodating other factors to ensure quality in training, equity of services, or the targeting of persons most in need. Evidence from federal investigations, a national JTPA impact study, and interviews with Florida staff, employers and trainees confirm that rather than preparing the poor for self-sufficiency, JTPA has further marginalized the workforce by subsidizing low-wage employers. In conclusion, the integration of labor market policy into a new and broader welfare paradigm is explored. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-12, Section: A, page: 4404. / Major Professor: Steven J. Klees. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1993.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77060 |
| Contributors | Ott, Joyce Allen., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 369 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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