Regarding pensions, while it is true that defined benefit pension plans are all but extinct (excepting those funded by the unlimited funds of the public), pensions themselves are not extinct or even on their way out. A 401K plan, 403b, 457 (b or f) etc, are all pension plans.
The difference is that in a traditional defined benefit pension plan, the company bears all the risk of fund growth. The companies have decided that the risk is too great. Therefore, defined contribution plans are the pension du jour. The investment risk is with the employee and the employer has no added responsibility when the black swans make an appearance. This is not necessarily a bad thing for employees.