- 1. In 'The Rise and Fall of American Growth,' Robert J. Gordon meticulously examines the economic history of the United States from the onset of the Industrial Revolution to the present day, delineating the transformative impact of technological innovations on productivity and living standards. He argues that the period between 1870 and 1970 was characterized by unprecedented economic growth driven by major inventions such as electricity, the internal combustion engine, and household appliances, which fundamentally altered the way Americans lived and worked. However, Gordon posits that this era of growth is now behind us, as he highlights the stagnation in productivity and innovation in recent decades. He discusses the implications of this decline on income inequality, educational attainment, and social mobility, suggesting that the challenges confronting modern America are deeply rooted in the patterns established during the past century. Ultimately, Gordon's work provokes critical reflection on the sustainable future of economic growth in a society facing demographic changes, globalization, and the limitations of technology to replicate the explosive growth of the past.
Which of these innovations does Gordon highlight as particularly transformative during the Special Century?
A) Nuclear power and space travel
B) Smartphones and social media
C) Credit cards and ATMs
D) Indoor plumbing and electricity
- 2. According to Gordon, what has been the trend in American productivity growth since the 1970s?
A) Volatile but increasing
B) Complete stagnation
C) Steady acceleration
D) Significant slowdown
- 3. What does Gordon argue about the economic impact of recent digital technologies compared to earlier innovations?
A) They have had more limited economic impact
B) They have had greater economic impact
C) They have been equally transformative
D) Their impact cannot yet be measured
- 4. Which of these does Gordon identify as a headwind to future American growth?
A) Too much government regulation
B) Excessive innovation
C) Rising inequality
D) Declining population
- 5. What demographic challenge does Gordon emphasize as limiting future growth?
A) Aging population
B) Excessive immigration
C) Urban overcrowding
D) Declining birth rates
- 6. What does Gordon argue about the sustainability of American living standard improvements?
A) Future improvements will be much slower
B) Living standards will decline absolutely
C) Improvements will accelerate rapidly
D) No significant changes are expected
- 7. What does Gordon suggest about the uniqueness of the Industrial Revolution's impact?
A) It was less important than the Digital Revolution
B) Similar revolutions occur every century
C) It was a one-time event in human history
D) Its impact has been exaggerated
- 8. How does Gordon characterize the period from 1970 to the present compared to the Special Century?
A) As a period of economic decline
B) As a period of slower growth and innovation
C) As an even more innovative period
D) As essentially identical in growth patterns
- 9. How does Gordon view the economic significance of the internet compared to earlier technologies?
A) More transformative than all previous technologies
B) Less economically transformative than electricity or indoor plumbing
C) Its impact cannot be compared to older technologies
D) Equally transformative as the automobile
- 10. What methodological approach does Gordon use to support his arguments?
A) Detailed historical analysis and data
B) Experimental laboratory studies
C) Theoretical economic models only
D) Survey data and interviews
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