LSAT Explanation PT 41, S3, Q21: Labor representative: Social historians have shown

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy described by the labor representative? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we have a passage where a labor representative discusses the fact that when workers strike due to poor working conditions, those conditions usually improve within five years. However, workers in this particular industry are aware of this fact but still refuse to strike despite their poor working conditions. The question type is a Paradox, and our task is to resolve the apparent discrepancy described by the labor representative.

To make the passage more relatable, let's consider a simple example. Imagine a group of workers at a factory who know that if they strike due to poor working conditions, their situation will improve in five years. However, they still choose not to strike even though they face poor working conditions. We need to find a reason that explains this behavior.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) Until recently it was widely believed that strikes do not generally improve working conditions.

This answer choice is not relevant because the labor representative specifically mentions that the workers are aware of the fact that improvements usually come in five years. So, their previous belief does not affect their decision.

b) Most factories in this industry change ownership every two years.

Although factories change ownership, it does not explain why the workers refuse to strike when they know that improvements might come within five years. So, this answer choice does not resolve the discrepancy.

c) Working conditions in many other industries are worse than conditions in this industry.

The fact that conditions in other industries are worse does not explain why these workers refuse to strike even though they know that striking would bring improvements in five years. This answer choice does not help resolve the paradox.

d) Workers typically plan to work in this industry only three years.

This answer choice resolves the discrepancy. If workers only plan to stay in this industry for an average of three years, then the prospect of improvements five years in the future would not be enticing enough for them to strike. They might not benefit from the improved conditions, so they choose not to strike.

e) Wages in this industry have increased each year.

Increased wages are a positive aspect, but this does not address the issue of poor working conditions. The question is why workers put up with poor conditions and still refuse to strike, even though striking would likely bring change five years down the line. This answer choice does not resolve the paradox.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (d) because it explains why workers in this industry refuse to strike despite knowing that their working conditions would improve within five years. Since they typically plan to work in the industry for only three years, the prospect of improvements five years in the future is not enticing enough for them to take action.