Research Links and Discussion Questions for March 2022 Topics

Feb 24, 2022 | Ideas For Teachers

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: 32-Hour Workweek

Congress.gov: H.R.4728 “Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act”
The Guardian OpEd: “A 4 Day Work Week Is the Future. Here’s Why.”
The Hill: “Lawmakers lining up behind bill to bring four-day work week to America”
Forbes: “Is Thursday the New Friday? Pros and Cons of Reducing Work Hours”
The Atlantic: “What It Means That Kickstarter Is Trying a 4-Day Work Week”
govtrack.us: “H.R. 4728: Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act”

Issue 2: America COMPETES Act

Congress.gov: H.R.4521 “America COMPETES Act of 2022”
Congress.gov: S.1260 “United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021”
House.gov: “America COMPETES Act of 2022” Backgrounder
The Hill: “House Republicans Bash Democrats’ China Competition Bill”
cnbc.com: “Senate Passes Bipartisan Tech and Manufacturing Bill Aimed at China”
Fox Business: “Democrats’ China competition bill hurts American small businesses”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: 32-Hour Workweek

  1. How do you think having a shorter workweek will affect workers’ productivity? Will it rise, fall or remain the same? Why?
  2. How might a shorter workweek be good for the environment?
  3. In Japan, Microsoft trialed a four-day workweek and saw improvements in workers’ productivity and job satisfaction. Do you think this would work in the U.S.? Why or why not?
  4. Is a four-day workweek suitable for every company? Why or why not?
  5. How did the COVID pandemic change American workers’ expectations about work/life balance?
  6. How might spending less time working result in greater workforce focus and productivity?

Issue 2: America COMPETES Act

1. Read the summaries for both the House and Senate China competition bills (links above). Which bill do you think offers the best solution to the problem?
2. What do you think is the best solution to China’s theft of U.S. intellectual property?
3. Should the U.S. attempt to have a “less confrontational” relationship with China? Why or why not?
4. Should the U.S. view China as a threat or opportunity? Why?
5. Do you think China will surpass the U.S. as the world’s superpower? Why or why not?