Retour au programme
Work, careers, and economic systems are important real-world themes at BAC level. The changing world of work : automation (robots replacing jobs), the gig economy (Uber, freelancing — flexible but insecure), remote work, portfolio careers. Unemployment : cyclical (economic downturns), structural (skills mismatch), youth unemployment. Youth unemployment in Africa : over 60% youth population, limited formal job creation, importance of entrepreneurship and the informal sector. Entrepreneurship : starting a business, innovation, risk-taking, social enterprise. Gender inequality at work : gender pay gap, glass ceiling, unpaid domestic work. Social mobility : the ability to move between social classes through education and hard work. Economic systems : capitalism, socialism, mixed economy. Microfinance : small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries (Grameen Bank model). Key vocabulary : unemployment, automation, gig economy, social mobility, entrepreneurship, gender pay gap, informal sector, microfinance.
Exercise 1 : Answer in developed paragraphs.
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the gig economy?
2. How can entrepreneurship address youth unemployment in Senegal?
3. What is the 'glass ceiling' and how can it be broken?
Exercise 2 : Write an opinion essay (250 words):
'A university degree is no longer a guarantee of a good career. Do you agree?'
What is the gig economy and what are its main advantages and risks?
Correction
The gig economy refers to a labour market characterised by short-term, flexible work rather than permanent employment — freelancers, contractors, platform workers (Uber, Deliveroo). Advantages: flexibility, independence, supplementary income, low barriers to entry. Risks: no job security, no employee benefits (health insurance, pension), income instability, lack of workers' rights, exploitation by platforms.
What is social mobility and what factors affect it?
Correction
Social mobility is the ability of individuals to move between social and economic positions across their lifetime (intra-generational) or compared to their parents (inter-generational). Factors that promote mobility: quality education, meritocratic institutions, social safety nets. Factors that limit it: inequality, discrimination, inherited wealth, poor schools in deprived areas. High social mobility means a more equal and dynamic society.
How is automation changing the world of work?
Correction
Automation (AI and robotics replacing human labour) is eliminating routine jobs — in manufacturing, data entry, transport. This causes structural unemployment as workers' skills become obsolete. At the same time, it creates new jobs in tech, AI development, and maintenance. The challenge is to retrain workers (upskilling) and redistribute productivity gains through social policy.