When Reality Bites

Demographic most affected by economic downturns

Maclean’s April 12, 2010

By Rachel Mendleson

1) According to the article, When Reality Bites, which demographic is most affected by economic downturns?

b) Identify two reasons for this trend.

2) The author attributes periods of unemployment, or low-paying jobs, to what three economic factors?

3) Why is the particular economic downturn described in the article cause for concern according to Canadian economist Armine Yalnzyan?

4) According to the “experts,” what is the best way for youth to survive a hostile job market?

b) Why is this strategy a problem for some youth people?

5) What analogy does U of T economics professor, Morley Gunderson, use to describe the job market at issue in the article?

6) What are some of the emotional tolls associated with struggling to find gainful employment?

7) What are some of the arguments against becoming overly pessimistic of the difficult economy faced by millennials?

8) List two ways, economist Yalnizyan suggests, the effects of the economic down turn can be minimized.