Corporations at the bedside of the social ladder

Since the beginning of the 21st century, we have witnessed the acceleration of two fundamental trends that are reshaping our post-war reference points. These are the significant retreat of the State as the organizing body of our societies, and the sharp rise in inequality since the early 2000s. The retreat of the State as the pillar of the public sphere is so obvious that, in opinion polls, companies are very often cited as structuring organizations, the pivot and main reference point for everyday life. At the same time, the growth of the corporate sector since the 1980s, fuelled by economic liberalization and the advent of globalization, is certainly not unrelated to the rise in inequality.

As a result of all these upheavals, companies now have a social justice mission, in line with the expectations of the public. From the reduction of wage disparities, geographical disparities and equal pay for men and women, to the integration of immigrant workers into our society, are companies now the chief mechanics of our social ladder? How is it fulfilling its new mission?

Companies must play an increasing role in training young people and employees. At the same time, however, surveys point to suffering in the workplace and a lack of meaning given to work, particularly among young people. How can companies correct this misperception? Finally, the weight of low-skilled jobs has increased, and forecasting studies show that it will continue to do so in the future. How can we ensure greater social mobility if most jobs created are low-skilled?