Reinventing Low Wage Work

Low-wage jobs are a growing part of the US economy. From March 2012 to February 2013, Reinventing Low-Wage Work: Ideas that Can Work for Employees, Employers and the Economy explored issues specific to industry sectors that employ large numbers of low-wage workers, including the restaurant, long-term care, retail, residential construction, and domestic work industries. The series, led by the Economic Opportunities Program, advanced conversations at the Aspen Institute about the nature of low-wage work, the challenges it presents to workers, businesses and the economy, and the opportunities we have for addressing these challenges. Discussions included:

In addition, the Workforce Strategies Initiative released four briefs on work in the direct-care, residential construction, restaurant, and retail industries including profiles of organizations working to improve job quality in those industries.

Since the conclusion of this series, the Economic Opportunities Program has developed a separate and related series, Working in America, which highlights an array of critical employment and job quality issues affecting low and moderate-income American workers.

Upcoming Events Near You

Events Across the Institute

The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society – October 2027

The Aspen Institute’s signature seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society.

Oct 16 – 22, 2027, 4:00pm – 2:00pm MDT

The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society – August 2027

The Aspen Institute’s signature seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society.

Aug 21 – 27, 2027, 4:00pm – 2:00pm MDT

The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society – June 2027

The Aspen Institute’s signature seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society.

Jun 5 – 11, 2027, 4:00pm – 2:00pm MDT

The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society – April 2027

The Aspen Institute’s signature seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society.

Apr 3 – 9, 2027, 4:00pm – 2:00pm MDT

Sharing Shakespeare: Measure for Measure, Finale

Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for 6 months.

Mon Mar 8, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:00pm MST

Sharing Shakespeare: Measure for Measure, Act V

Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for 6 months.

Mon Feb 8, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:00pm MST

2027 Socrates Winter Seminars

The Socrates Program is excited to host our annual Winter Seminars! We will be offering three seminar options. The seminar tuition is $3,000. Limited scholarships are available by application.

Feb 5 – 8, 2027, 12:00am MST

Sharing Shakespeare: Measure for Measure, Act IV

Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for 6 months.

Mon Jan 11, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:00pm MST

Sharing Shakespeare: Measure for Measure, Act III

Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for 6 months.

Mon Dec 14, 2026, 6:00pm – 8:00pm MST