Chapter 7 Review Questions

Short Answer Questions

1. Explain the relationship between technology and deskilling in the context of the Industrial Revolution.

2. Contrast Fordism and Taylorism and explain how one builds upon the other.

3. Explain the concept of the “ladder of success” and how it relates to branding and advertisement.

4. Define immaterial labour and contrast it with industrial labour.

5. Explain the concept of “prosumption” and offer an example.

6. What is the role of companies like Uber or Airbnb in the sharing economy?

7. What are the three ways in which, according to Anderson, crowdfunding provides solutions for makers?

8. Gig work is increasingly common; what are four downsides of this kind of work?

Essay Questions

1. The widespread use of the Internet and related information and communications technologies (ICTs) has created new forms of work, often referred to as networked organizations. What is the structure of labour in networked organizations, and what are some of the pros and cons of these changes in labour?

2. Although the sharing or platform economy is increasingly common, some researchers have concerns that gig work has social, economic, and ethical dilemmas which are not being addressed adequately. Do you think gig work is overall more beneficial or harmful to labourers? Support your opinion with specific examples.