Modern cultures

Our modern world has evolved, with changes to jobs, families, gender roles and expectations for how we live our lives. This chapter explores these issues through five different perspectives:The connected economy – focuses on the increasing economic relevance of mobile digital communications combined with the rise of freelance work through online platforms.Gender at work – presents trends on gender equality with a focus on wage gaps and flexible parental leave policies.Changing families – looks at how families have changed in the 21st century, with the example of births out of wedlock and the prohibition of corporal punishment.When virtual becomes reality –explores how digitalisation has created virtual lives and made them real, and in so doing changed access and ownership of goods and services.Ethical consumption – illustrates the important role our buying behaviour plays in achieving sustainability, with examples of electric cars and meat consumption.The trends highlighted in this chapter are then linked to education. All of education is explored, from early childhood education and care to lifelong learning. The chapter ends with a look at how using different versions of the future can help us better prepare for the unknown.