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Chapter Summary
The complex interrelation between technology and labour is the topic of this chapter. The focus here is on the changes in the nature, context, and structure of work that result from new technologies and the associated power imbalances. Historically, these changes occurred as early as the Industrial Revolution, when machines replaced skilled workers, creating social upheaval, dissatisfaction, and unrest. We use the historical context to help readers better grasp current trends in how Web 2.0 technologies facilitate new forms of production that are based on principles of collaboration, sharing, and open source. We discuss key concepts of the Web 2.0 mode of work, including prosumer, produsage, and perpetual beta, as well as relatively recent developments such as e-lancing and microcelebrity. Wikipedia and Instagram are used as examples to illustrate current trends in how users become producers of content. Most users would not consider this work, however; rather, they view it as art, pleasure, fun, or leisure time. But these new forms of work do have consequences for the new economy and for labour relations. The main point of this chapter is that technology is not neutral but, rather, becomes an active force that changes the nature of work itself, working conditions, and the structure of society as a whole.
Learning Objectives
In this chapter, you should learn to do the following:
- to discuss how differences in technology ownership and know-how lead to social, economic, and cultural inequality;
- to critically examine how the phenomenon of the digital divide has transformed from a problem solely of Internet access to one linked to digital skills and a range of opportunities;
- to understand the global digital divide and the micro- and macro-level barriers that exist in developing nations regarding access to and use of technology;
- to question the usefulness of the digital divide framework in the context of development policy by reviewing critical perspectives.