TOPIC:

Declining Jobs and Unemployment

RESOURCES NEEDED:

A copy of the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY:

There is likely someone in your community right now who has lost their job through no fault of their own. Jobs are constantly changing. Professions disappear and new job opportunities are created. Technology has made many jobs obsolete. Children need to appreciate that unemployment like Charlie’s father experienced can create financial problems and great stress for families. Watching this movie together will generate an opportunity to discuss this important topic. The movie also addresses other financial concepts, including money creation, banking, scarcity and the needs and wants of consumers.

THE ACTIVITY:

• Ask your child what they think causes people to lose their jobs.
• Tell them that in this movie Charlie’s father loses his job as a toothpaste cap screwer because someone has invented a machine that can do it much faster. Ask them to think of other jobs that are in decline or have become obsolete – for example, video store clerks, newspaper sellers, gas station attendants, pop bottle manufacturers, typists, etc.
• Ask your child to think of the difficulties the family may have now that Charlie’s father has lost his job.
• Tell them you are going to watch the movie together. Then talk about what happens to the family and what Charlie learns about money.

FOLLOW-UP IDEAS:

• Explain how in our society people pay employment insurance to assist during hard times. Also, explain how having a welfare system helps families like Charlie’s family cope with financial problems.
• Your teen will be considering career options soon. Help make them aware of jobs that may become redundant in the future.
• Check out these websites that list jobs that are declining or have become obsolete.
  • Top 20 Disappearing Jobs
    http://www.forbes.com/pictures/lmj45ighg/no-9-door-to-door-sales-workers-and-news-and-street-vendors/
  • Technology Is Making These 10 Jobs Obsolete
    http://time.com/84780/technology-is-making-these-10-jobs-obsolete/
  • 30 Jobs That Are Vanishing In America
    http://www.businessinsider.com/the-30-jobs-that-are-disappearing-fastest-in-america-2012-2?op=1