The Holiday Zone: Labor Day Discussion Topics for English Language Learners

Labor Day Discussion Topics

Why is it necessary for people to work?
What do you think life would be like if no one ever had to work?
Is work good? Why or why not?
Are some jobs better than others? Why or why not?
What are some of the motivations people have for working? What do you think motivates most people? What would you consider the strongest motivation? the weakest?
Which is more important to you, free trade or fair trade? Why?
Is all work of equal value to society? Why or why not?
We sometimes see some jobs as desirable and others as undesirable. What occupations to you consider desirable? Which ones do you consider undesirable? Why? What do you think your life would be like if no one was willing to do what you consider to be the "undesirable" jobs?
(If students are not employed) What do you hope to be when you grow up? Why? What steps can you take now to help you achieve your goals?
(If students are employed) What do you like most about your current job? What do you like least? If you could change careers, would you? Why or why not?
As a general rule, do you think people work more or less today than they did 10 years? 50 years ago? 100 years ago? Why?
How has the work force changed in your country during your lifetime?
What would you consider the most significant changes in labor over the past 10 years? the past 50 years? the past 100 years? the past 500 years?
Much as we don't like to think about it in western culture, slave labor has been a dominant force throughout history and still remains an active force in some parts of the world today. Is slavery ever justified? Why or why not? What sanctions, if any, do you think western governments should take against countries that still allow slave labor? What steps, if any, do you think countries should take to compensate people whose ancestors were slaves?
In Europe and North America, child labor is largely a thing of the past. In other parts of the world, children are still considered a vital part of the work force. Do you think this is good or bad? Why? At what age do you believe children should be allowed to work? What kinds of jobs do you think are appropriate for children?
While child labor is largely outlawed in western society, teenagers comprise a sizable portion of the work force. Some people argue that part-time jobs are good for teenagers, that they give them a profitable way to use their spare time and introduce them to the real world. Others contend that part-time jobs are harmful for teenagers, that they push them out into the world too soon and rob them of time that should be devoted to schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. What do you think?
Walk into the average store, and you'll find products made the world over. Some of these are made in countries with labor standards far different from our own. Is it morally, ethically, and/or biblically wrong to purchase products from countries that tolerate sweatshop industries? Why or why not?

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