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The Corporation deals with issues of income, consumer behavior, role of government, and supply and demand which specifically relate to economic theory. The discussion questions focus on ways to illustrate how economic theory relates to real-world situations and vignettes presented in the film. |
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| Micro Economics Questions |
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| 1 |
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The Corporation points out disparities in income distribution.- What are the current statistics for income distribution in the US? How does this compare to worldwide income distribution?
- How would the makers of The Corporation explain and address disparity of wealth? How does the position of the film compare to microeconomic theories you have studied to date?
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 4 |
Externalities |
10:15:56:00 |
| 5 |
Harm to Workers: Sweatshops |
10:18:08:23 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:37:43:25 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:38:51:04 |
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| 2 |
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| Two fundamental assumptions in microeconomics are rational behavior and consumer sovereignty. Does The Corporation support or refute these assumptions? Provide specific examples from the film to rationalize your answer. |
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Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 10 |
Boundary Issues |
10:56:36:18 |
| 11 |
Basic Training |
11:03:15:19 |
| 12 |
Perception Management |
11:12:40:03 |
| 18 |
Expansion Plan |
12:16:08:01 |
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| 3 |
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The Corporation provides an example about the supply and demand of water when this natural resource is privatized in one jurisdiction. When a natural resource, essential to the survival of humans, becomes for sale by a private company, the supply and demand curves change.- Sketch out the changes to the supply and demand curves for this scenario, and discuss the changes and what they mean, drawing on your understanding of microeconomics (e.g., consumer sovereignty, scarcity and choice, etc.).
- Comment on if and how equilibrium could be achieved (short and long run) when a resource like water is privatized.
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of privatization of national resources, and of private ownership.
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 10 |
Boundary Issues |
10:56:36:18 |
| 18 |
Expansion Plan |
12:16:08:01 |
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| Macro Economics Questions |
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| 4 |
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| In macroeconomics, we assume that a country’s standard of living depends on its ability to produce goods and services—that is, worker productivity—and that GDP is the figure that represents this standard of living. Based on the film, do you think that this statement rings true in today’s reality? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the film in your response. |
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 4 |
Externalities |
10:15:56:00 |
| 10 |
Boundary Issues |
10:56:36:18 |
| 18 |
Expansion Plan |
12:16:08:01 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:37:43:13 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:48:51:04 |
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| 5 |
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| In the early 19th century, economist Thomas Robert Malthus predicted that with a rapidly growing population the earth’s natural resources would not suffice, and the world’s population would be destined to live in abject poverty. Some have dismissed this as false, because in two centuries it has not occurred. Explain how The Corporation relates to Malthus’ prediction, as well as to his critics, using specific examples from the film. |
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 10 |
Boundary Issues |
10:56:36:18 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:48:51:04 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:49:28:00 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:51:50:24 |
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| 6 |
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| The convergence hypothesis suggests that in the long run, countries will converge to a steady state, and poor countries will grow faster than wealthy countries. What evidence does The Corporation present to support or refute this hypothesis? |
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 5 |
Harm to Workers: Sweatshops |
10:18:08:23 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:37:43:13 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:38:51:04 |
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| 7 |
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| Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” argument implies that just because corporations directly pursue their private interests, it does not follow that the public interest is not indirectly promoted. Does The Corporation support or refute this argument? Give specific examples from course readings and from the film in your response. |
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 4 |
Externalities |
10:15:56:00 |
| 10 |
Boundary Issues |
10:56:36:18 |
| 18 |
Expansion Plan |
12:16:08:01 |
| 21 |
Democracy Ltd. |
12:29:18:06 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:37:43:13 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:38:51:04 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:51:50:24 |
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| 8 |
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| Why is profit the normative way of rationalizing economic activity? What alternative ways can be envisioned to organize economic activity? Give examples suggested in the documentary, particularly surrounding discussion of corporate social responsibility. |
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 4 |
Externalities |
10:15:56:00 |
| 10 |
Boundary Issues |
10:56:36:18 |
| 18 |
Expansion Plan |
12:16:08:01 |
| 21 |
Democracy Ltd. |
12:29:18:06 |
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| 9 |
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| Michael Albert’s PARECON (Participatory Economics) model suggests an alternative which systematically addresses many of the issues raised in the film. Research this model, and provide a critique that includes your views on its viability in light of the documentary. |
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| Chapter |
Chapter Title |
Scene Reference |
| 4 |
Externalities |
10:15:56:00 |
| 10 |
Boundary Issues |
10:56:36:18 |
| 18 |
Expansion Plan |
12:16:08:01 |
| 21 |
Democracy Ltd. |
12:29:18:06 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:37:43:13 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:38:51:04 |
| 22 |
Psycho Therapies |
12:51:50:24 |
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