Inglorious Years: The Collapse of the Industrial Order and the Rise of Digital Society

The Inglorious Years explores how the rise of the digital economy has left many feeling marginalized and deprived of the possibility of a better life. Economist Daniel Cohen describes how the digital economy creates the same mix of promises and disappointments as the old industrial order,reviving questions about society that are as relevant to us today as they were to the ancients.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The decline of the old industrial order and the rise of a new digital society ruled by algorithms have been major factors in fueling populism. In the 1960s, young people around the world were excited about the potential for technological liberation and economic prosperity. However, the collapse of the old industrial order did not lead to the promised utopia, and many people have been left feeling marginalized and deprived of opportunities.

The book "The Inglorious Years" explores the ways in which technology has let us down and failed to deliver on its promises. Economist Daniel Cohen argues that the digital economy is transforming us all into sequences of data that can be manipulated by algorithms from anywhere in the world. This has led to the rise of populist movements on the right, who are angry about the loss of jobs and economic inequality.

Cohen demonstrates how the digital economy creates the same mix of promises and disappointments as the old industrial order. While it has brought about new opportunities for innovation and growth, it has also led to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, and has created new social divisions. The book raises important questions about society and our relationship with technology.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that we need to regain control of our lives and our data. Cohen argues that the digital economy has created a situation where we are increasingly dependent on technology and algorithms, and that this has led to a loss of autonomy and self-determination. He suggests that we need to take a more active role in shaping the digital world and that we need to develop new strategies for protecting our privacy and security.

Another important theme of the book is the idea that technology can be used to create a more just and equitable society. Cohen argues that the digital economy has the potential to create new forms of social organization and collaboration that can help to address the social and economic inequalities that have been exacerbated by the decline of the old industrial order. He suggests that we need to invest in education and training programs that can help to empower people and promote social mobility.

The Inglorious Years is a brilliant and provocative book that offers a critical analysis of the digital economy and its impact on society. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities that we face in the 21st century.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691206158