10 Even highly-trained workers like computer programmers are facing replacement by cheaper foreign workers. 11 Global capitalism increasingly pits workers against each other, forcing down wages and fringe benefits, and creating nonunion workplaces. Increased competition for poor jobs Another source of employment problems has been the rise in the average level of unemployment. While in the mid-1960's, it is estimated that there were 2.5 unemployed persons for every vacant job, by the late 1970's, this ratio had grown to 5.0. In New York, there are roughly seven jobless people for every available job vacancy.
Competition is fierce even for low wage service employment.
In Harlem's fast food industry, for example, the ratio of job applicants to hires is about 14 to one. There were also another 6.5 million people who wanted a job but were not actively looking, for a variety of reasons. When nineteen million people who desire employment aren't able to get it, along with millions more who don't earn enough to bring them and their families above the poverty line, an environment of political scapegoating and social hostility is created. Blacks, Latinos, women and others are blamed for declining real incomes, unemployment and the loss of job advancement. Yet overturning affirmative action programs and policies will do little to reverse these economic trends for white male workers.