Andy tries to help April identify a job that she may be interested in, but she has reasons to hate each of the ones he names. While they may pay well, and she may be qualified for them, the non-pecuniary (non-wage) aspects of the job are just as important as the salary for the job.
See more: Labor, non-pecuniary factors, preferences for work
The Newports have decided to sell a large parcel of land and Leslie believes this is the opportunity of a lifetime where she can make a name for herself. She briefly considers the option of retiring, but then explains that she wants to work until she is a hundred and then cut back to 4 days a week. This is a fun clip to illustrate labor force participation decisions and different preferences.
See more: labor, labor force participation, labor leisure tradeoff, leisure, retirement, supply
A Southern Indiana tradition revolves around political candidates’ wives baking pies in a contest known as the Pie-Mary. Leslie has decided to skip the Pie-Mary contest so she can help Ben with his campaign, but it’s turned into a big ordeal. She ties to change her mind and enter the Pie-Mary, but that angers another group of people. Regardless of her decision, someone is upset and it distracts from Ben’s campaign. Leslie and Ben finish the episode with a press conference where Leslie points out that people should be allowed to do whatever the wish. Socially defined gender roles like the ones portrayed in the episode highlight some of the issues facing women in the labor market.
See more: discrimination, gender, gender equality, gender roles, labor, sexual harassment, statistical discrimination
Leslie is ready to get to work, but Ann is confused on whether Leslie ever takes a break from work to enjoy things. Leslie’s preference for work is so high that she does derive utility from working.
See more: labor, labor leisure tradeoff, preferences, utility, workaholic
Ben goes back to the accounting firm that he initially quit, only to decide to quit again as soon as he sees his office. In discussing his motivation, he talks about how he wants to do something meaningful with his life, but then he realizes the benefits of being an accountant including stability and above average pay.
See more: compensating differentials, labor, non-pecuniary factors, preferences, types of income, utility
Leslie, Ron, and April decide to hold a meeting with the different government departments to discuss gender equality issues in Pawnee. The only problem is each department sends male representatives and the commission is composed entirely of male representatives. When questioned about it, one member points out Leslie as being female, but then asks her to go get more snacks.
See more: discrimination, equality, gender, gender equality, labor, occupational segregation, sexual harassment, women in the workplace
During a gender equality meeting, Leslie points out that the Sanitation Department has only one female employee, and she’s a secretary. Leslie questions whether the Sanitation Department is discriminating against women in the well-paid job of garbage collector, but the office workers claim its because not enough women apply for the job because it’s physically demanding.
See more: compensating differentials, discrimination, gender, hiring discrimination, occupational segregation, statistical discrimination
Ron and Chris disagree with the best way to motivate workers. While Chris takes a more intrinsic approach, Ron focuses on base level needs of fear and hunger, but also on money. Ron’s extrinsic approach comes from his belief in markets being able to serve as a motivator. Both agree that motivating workers can increase productivity, but disagree on the best method of doing so.
See more: incentives, labor, motivation, pay and productivity, productivity, self-interest
The Animal Control Department in Pawnee is pretty inept. Their role in the government serves a purpose, but they aren’t doing a very good job. It’s possible a private enterprise (like a pest control service) could be more effective, but its cheaper to staff a few employees to do the same work.
Thanks to an anonymous submitted for the clip!
See more: government, incentives, principle agent problem, private incentives, shirking, social incentives
Leslie accepts a job with the National Parks Service in Chicago, but it means she has to leave her hometown of Pawnee, Indiana. She tries to recruit team members from the office, but no one is willing to go with her. She begins to realize all the things she’s going to miss when she leaves. Because time and resources are scarce, Leslie is forced to make choices.
See more: comparative advantage, migration, mobility, needs, opportunity costs, preferences, psychic costs, tradeoffs, wants
Economics of Parks & Recreation 