The phenomenon of increasing “job polarization” in the U.S. labor market — a sharper division of work into low- and high-skill categories, with fewer middle-skill jobs left — has been well-documented in academic literature. Technology, globalization and the decline of U.S. manufacturing are often thought to be driving this trend. But the precise dynamics are still being investigated.

Even as China rapidly modernizes, its government continues to tightly monitor the media to ensure that state control remains unchallenged. This task has become more difficult with the rise of the Internet, which can function as an informal media outlet.

Economists have several methods for measuring financial stability within a society. One such measure is “financial fragility,” or a household’s ability to access emergency funds from any source in a moment of crisis. It is a stark measure of assessment, for sure, but it is revealing of the level of vulnerability — and potential anxiety — with which many workers and their families presently cope.

Each American political season seems to bring with it a new round of scandals. Though critics of the media often complain about frivolousness and overkill, the content of the scandals often demands serious and significant coverage. However, judgments by news editors and reporters do influence the volume and treatment.