Take Home Midterm
SOSC 2210
Labour Relations in Canada
2020/2021
Prof. Katherine Nastovski
Due December 9th, 2020 by 10:30am via the Turnitin link on eClass
This test has two sections
The first section contains short answer questions: Please answer 3 of the 6 questions
The second section contains one essay question: Please choose 1 of the 2 questions
**You may only draw from course materials to answer the questions.
Please ensure that you cite all ideas that are not your own.
You do not have to provide a bibliography, only in text citations.
Any recognized citation style is acceptable.
Section One: Comparisons and Explanations
Each answer is worth 4 marks for a total of 12
Answer 3 of the following 6 questions
Your answers should be about 300 words each
Your answers should include two arguments that are supported by evidence from the readings
or lecture.
1.Why does the history of settler-colonialism matter for understanding labour relations in
Canada?
2. Explain the differences between two of the following organizations: The Knights of Labour,
One Big Union, the Congress of Industrial Organizations or the Workers Unity League.
3. We explored different theoretical frameworks for understanding labour relations. These
include the Capitalism Thesis (Marx), the Industrialism Thesis (Durkheim) and the Industrial
Capitalism Thesis (Weber). Please explain how the Capitalism Thesis differs from the
Industrialism Thesis.
4. Compare two of the four dimensions of alienation. Which of the two do you think has a
greater impact on life and well-being? Why?
5. Compare the significance of two of the following events: the Winnipeg General Strike, the
On-to-Ottawa Trek, the Ford Windsor Strike of 1945, and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers
1982 strike.
2
6. The Canadian labour market has been shaped by state policies that have built and/or
reinforced hierarchies between workers based on ‘race’ and gender. Discuss two ways that the
state has built or reinforced racial or gender hierarchies between workers.
Section Two: Essay Question – 8 marks
Choose one of the two essay questions below
Please ensure that you make clear arguments and use course readings and lecture material to
back up each of your arguments. Your essays should be 600-700 words in length.
1. What are some of the limitations of the Post-War compromise for workers and workers’
organizations?
or
2. On week 5 we explored different theories of labour relations. Which theory best fits the legal
system we have in Canada today? Explain why.