Chapter 7 Flashcards
What central question does Section 7.1 address from the Standing Committee for Social Affairs and Employment?
The central question is how technological advancements affect employment and what policies can be implemented to manage these impacts in the future.
Why is it important to analyze technology’s impact beyond just employment numbers?
Technology’s impact also influences social structures, economic equality, ethical norms, and legal standards, affecting society more broadly than just job numbers.
What are the three main subtopics introduced in Section 7.1?
The three subtopics are: (1) Impact on past employment, (2) Future employment impacts, and (3) Policy responses to support employment.
How does Section 7.1 suggest policymakers approach the integration of robotics and IT into society?
It suggests a comprehensive approach, considering the economic, social, and ethical implications to ensure that technology benefits society broadly.
What broader goal does Section 7.1 emphasize for understanding the robot society?
The goal is to provide a framework that allows policymakers to prepare for a technology-integrated future that aligns with societal values and supports public welfare.
Why is proactive policy intervention seen as necessary in a robot society?
Proactive policies are needed to manage the social and economic impacts of rapid technological change, ensuring that benefits are inclusive and challenges are mitigated.
What are the three major industrial revolutions discussed in Section 7.2?
The three major revolutions are the steam-powered revolution, the electrical revolution, and the IT revolution.
How does the “second machine age” differ from the earlier industrial revolutions?
Unlike past revolutions that focused on mechanizing physical labor, the second machine age (IT revolution) automates cognitive tasks and introduces digital technologies like AI, sensor networks, and smart devices.
What role did government play in past industrial revolutions according to Section 7.2?
Government intervention was crucial, providing infrastructure and policy support to enable industries and workers to adapt to new technologies and maximize economic benefits.
How did the government support the first two industrial revolutions?
The government invested in infrastructure such as canals, railways, and electricity grids, which facilitated industrial growth and accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises.
What technologies characterize the “Internet of Robotic Things”?
The Internet of Robotic Things integrates AI, sensors, and connected devices, allowing for smart systems that can sense, process, and act, making technology more autonomous and interconnected.
Why is government intervention considered critical in today’s IT revolution?
Government intervention is necessary to guide the integration of robotics and IT, address workforce disruptions, and ensure equitable access to the benefits of new technology.
What lesson does Section 7.2 draw from past technological revolutions for today’s policy approaches?
It suggests that, as in the past, proactive investment and policy measures are essential to help society adapt to the rapid and wide-reaching impacts of today’s technologies.
What is the optimistic view on technology’s impact on employment?
The optimistic view holds that technological innovation boosts productivity, reduces costs, and ultimately creates new jobs in emerging sectors, leading to economic growth and greater prosperity.
What is the pessimistic view on technology’s impact on employment?
The pessimistic view argues that automation may lead to “jobless growth,” where productivity increases without proportional job creation, resulting in fewer job opportunities and greater income inequality.
: What is “job polarization,” and how is it related to technology?
Job polarization refers to the decline in medium-skilled, routine jobs due to automation, while demand for high-skilled and low-skilled jobs increases, creating a divided labor market.
How has automation impacted medium-skilled jobs?
Automation has primarily replaced routine, cognitive tasks common in medium-skilled jobs, such as administrative work, reducing demand for these roles.
How does technology affect income and wealth distribution, according to Section 7.3?
Technology can concentrate wealth among capital owners, potentially increasing income inequality as the share of income from labor decreases relative to returns on capital.
What is “platform capitalism,” and why is it significant in the context of income inequality?
Platform capitalism refers to the rise of digital platforms (e.g., Uber, Airbnb), which often concentrate wealth among a few major companies, potentially widening income inequality and creating less secure employment for workers.
What challenge does “jobless growth” present, as discussed in Section 7.3?
“Jobless growth” challenges the traditional link between economic growth and job creation, as productivity gains from automation do not necessarily lead to new jobs, impacting overall economic well-being.
How does Section 7.3 suggest policymakers address the mixed impacts of the IT revolution?
Policymakers should consider balanced approaches that support job creation, address income inequality, and help workers transition into roles that are less vulnerable to automation.
Why does Section 7.4 suggest moving beyond a focus on job loss in discussions of automation?
Focusing solely on job loss overlooks broader impacts, including changes in economic structures, social relationships, ethical considerations, and potential new job creation in emerging fields.
What are some areas that Section 7.4 highlights as part of a broader impact of technology beyond employment?
Key areas include economic and social impact, job creation potential, labor organization, and prosperity distribution, all of which are influenced by advancing technology.
How does Section 7.4 describe the future roles of humans and machines in the workforce?
It envisions complementary roles, where humans focus on tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, while machines handle routine, data-intensive tasks.
