Fear and Hope in an Age of Mass Automation: Debating the Future of Work

From Digital Culture & Society

Article title: Fear and Hope in an Age of Mass Automation: Debating the Future of Work

DOI: 10.1111/ntwe.12105

Contents 1 Context 2 Overview 3 Strengths and Weaknesses 4 Conclusion

[edit] Context

The future of automation is a topic of discussion that elicits polarizing views in academic and political circles among others.

Industrial use of automation is burgeoning. Automation and robotics have made significant inroads in factories and warehouses, at the expense of human workers. Mass unemployment for those working low skilled jobs in manufacturing is probable, as the corporation desire for efficiency maximization grows boundlessly. Among the grimmest dystopian prophesies; anticipation of the dehumanization of society engendered by machines capable of imitating intelligent human behaviour stands out.

There are an optimistic few who envision a post-work future. These individuals advocate an embrace of mass automation.

[edit] Overview

This article is a meaningful addition to studies weighing conflicting perspectives on the proliferation of automated machines in industrial settings.

The author points out that a radical change must occur to justify one’s view of industrial robots as a feature of a technological utopia. Enhancements to the qualitative content of work, in accordance with the utopian ideal, necessitate a shift in the direct control of technology from employer to worker.

The author’s sympathy toward those who will be displaced from their jobs in favour of automated machines is perceptible. Correspondingly, the author’s cynicism toward those who welcome to the prospect of a jobless society is evident.

[edit] Strengths and Weaknesses

The author Spencer (2018) referenced relevant theories from distinguished economists Karl Marx and John Keynes to provide background on the link between technological progress and capitalism and its implications for human workers.

[edit] Conclusion

This article addresses a modern issue that elicits polarizing views. The information presented in this article may be valuable to specialists in economics, trade unions, and robotic technologies.

--Eo13jq 20:33, 13 March 2019 (UTC)