The proportion of the work force that is unionized has declined; only

The proportion of the work force that is unionized has declined; only one worker in every five now belongs to a union, rather than one in every four, like in 1955.

(A) rather than one in every four, like in 1955
(B) instead of one in every four, as in 1955
(C) not like it was in 1955, with one in every four
(D) unlike 1955, when it was one in every four
(E) whereas there was one in every four in 1955

Answer E.

X rather than Y - is used to signify preference of X over Y. Hence wrong in the context of the given sentence.

X instead of Y - means " X in place of Y", when something/someone can be replaced. It also means "X as an alternative for Y". Clearly wrong as the sentence does not mean a replacement.

Whereas - signifies contrast between similar things, facts or ideas. Correct in the context of the sentence.



Thanks,
GyM