New Technology and Work in the Future

The social consequences of new technology are not Third World. These papers represent a broad spectrum of current sociological research into new technology and work and the revolutionary changes which are underway in the nature of work and employment. New technology entail both opportunities and dangers. There is ample evidence of job de-skilling, polarization of the workforce and widespread labour displacement. ‘Winners’ and ‘losers’ in this process of change can be identified in western societies. For the Third World countries, this might increase the inequalities between rich and poor nations. In the Indian context the tension between traditional culture and new form of work illustrates many of the fundamental concerns which have always been central to sociology. This collection of papers by some of the most original sociological thinkers opens up a healthy debate on the subject. The nineteenth century belief in technological progress based on evolutionary assumptions is rejected in the papers. Instead the dilemmas and choices for the future with new technology are emphasized. The stimulating debate bring into sharp focus the scenarios for work and employment in the future, with possible implications for the Third World and India in particular.