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Research (NSDA): Requiring a Living Wage – 21 Century Debate Institution
21st Century Debate Research (Fall 2024):

Lincoln Douglas Topic

Every few months (seasonally) the 21st Century Debate Institution releases a series of debate topics for students to debate at our online (and eventually in-person) events. 

This topic is for both “Public Forum” & “Skills” debate.

For more information about upcoming contests, and how you might participate, please use the “events calendar” from the above menu. Or you can click here: Upcoming Events.

In 2022, about 8 million American workers lived below the poverty line despite being employed, highlighting how even full-time work at low wages often fails to lift people out of poverty.

[SEPT-OCT 2024 (NSDA)]
Lincoln Douglas Topic

Resolved: The United States ought to require that workers receive a living wage.

Background Info. (&Context)
Required Research (Videos & Articles)
Optional Research (Videos & Articles)
Additional Research (Misc.)

BACKGROUND

The concept of a living wage has sparked intense debate in the United States. A living wage is the minimum income necessary for workers to meet their basic needs, including food, housing, and other essentials. The controversy centers around whether the government should require employers to pay a living wage, which would be higher than the current federal minimum wage. Supporters argue it would reduce poverty and improve workers’ lives, while opponents worry about potential negative impacts on businesses and the economy. This issue touches on fundamental questions about fair compensation, economic policy, and the role of government in regulating wages.

Requiring Living Wage (PRO)

  • Poverty Reduction: A living wage would help lift many workers out of poverty, allowing them to afford basic necessities without relying on government assistance. This could improve the quality of life for millions of ppl & reduce the cycle of poverty.
  • Economic Stimulation: When workers earn more, they tend to spend more, which can boost local economies. Increased consumer spending can lead to higher demand for goods and services, potentially creating more jobs and economic growth.
  • Improved Worker Productivity: Employees who earn a living wage are likely to be more satisfied with their jobs and less stressed about making ends meet. This can result in higher productivity, better job performance, and reduced employee turnover, benefiting both workers and businesses.
  • Reduced Government Spending: With a living wage, fewer workers would need to rely on government assistance programs like food stamps or housing subsidies. This could potentially reduce government spending on social welfare programs, allowing those funds to be redirected to other important areas.
  • Health and Well-being: A living wage enables workers to afford better healthcare, nutritious food, and safer housing. This can improve physical/mental health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs and creating a healthier, more productive workforce.

Requiring Living Wage (CON)

  • Job Losses: Requiring businesses to pay higher wages might force some companies, especially small businesses, to reduce their workforce or cut employee hours to maintain profitability. This could increase unemployment (or underemployment).
  • Increased Prices: To offset higher labor costs, businesses raise prices on goods and services causing inflation, which could negate the benefits of higher wages and making life harder for everyone, including those earning a living wage.
  • Reduced Business Competitiveness: Higher labor costs could make U.S. businesses less competitive in the global market. This might force companies to move operations overseas where labor is cheaper, resulting in job losses and economic decline.
  • Impact on Young and Unskilled Workers: A higher wage requirement might make employers more selective in hiring, potentially making it harder for young people and those with less experience or fewer skills to enter the job market. This could hinder career development for these groups.
  • Implementation Challenges: Determining an appropriate living wage that accounts for regional differences in cost of living could be complex and contentious. A one-size-fits-all approach might not work well across diverse economic regions, potentially causing unintended consequences in some areas.

REQUIRED RESEARCH (VIDEOS & ARTICLES)

We ask that you watch all of the videos and read all of the articles and take light notes about the topic that you are researching. When everyone in class has watched/read the materials, it makes the learning better. We encourage students to do their own research in addition to the research provided (assuming you have time).

Required Research (Videos):

Setup Debate 1AR on the Living Wage Topic,
My LD Coach (Scott Brown), August 26, 2024 [14 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXDyRfnj0Hk
Note: Please watch this video and write down all his points (Flowing). Then if you agree, do his exercise of giving the next speech – if you are able. If not, then come to class ready to discuss this debate and together we will discuss the issues brought up by the “My LD Coach” video.

Required Research (Articles):

What Is a Living Wage? Definition, History, and How to Calculate,
Investopedia, Last Updated: July 26, 2024
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/living_wage.asp

Minimum Wage Is Not Enough:
A True Living Wage Is Necessary to Reduce Poverty and Improve Health,
Drexel University, December 2021 [PDF]
https://drexel.edu/hunger-free-center/research/briefs-and-reports/minimum-wage-is-not-enough/

“Living Wage” will decrease employment and increase property taxes,
Fraser Institute, Last Accessed: October 2024
https://www.fraserinstitute.org/article/living-wages-will-decrease-employment-and-increase-property-taxes

OPTIONAL RESEARCH (VIDEOS & ARTICLES)

Toward a living wage: What it is and why it matters,
National Geographic (Paid Content), Last Accessed: Sept. 2024
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/paid-content-toward-a-living-wage

Keeping the Poor Poor: The Dark Side of the Living Wage,
CATO Institute, October 21, 2003 [PDF]
https://www.cato.org/policy-analysis/keeping-poor-poor-dark-side-living-wage

Ryan Bourne discusses the minimum wage and a living wage on WWL’s The Scoot Show,
CATO Institute, June 18, 2019 [14 min]
https://www.cato.org/multimedia/media-highlights-radio/ryan-bourne-discusses-minimum-wage-living-wage-wwls-scoot-show

Contact Information

Bill Eddy,
Email: BillEddy@21stCenturyDebate.org
Phone: 714.655.8135 (I prefer text)
Note: When contacting me, please include your name and class information (day/time). Thanks! 

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