Recasting Workers' Power: Work and Inequality in the Shadow of the Digital Age

This book explores how globalisation and digitalisation are drivers of structural change in the Global South,and how digital technology can be harnessed for counter-mobilisation by the new worker.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The discussion surrounding the future of work has primarily centered on addressing the technological advancements occurring in the Global North, while there has been limited attention paid to examining the impact of these trends on work and workers in the Global South. To address this gap, this groundbreaking book delves into the intricate dynamics of globalization and digitalization, exploring their profound effects on structural transformation and their implications for labor. By integrating global labor studies and inequality studies, the book uncovers the significant role of digital technology in shaping new business models and investigates potential strategies for harnessing digitalization to empower and mobilize the emerging workforce.

Globalization and digitalization have emerged as powerful forces shaping the world of work, exerting a profound impact on both employers and employees. These trends have led to the emergence of new business models, the proliferation of digital technologies, and the transformation of traditional industries. However, the impact of these developments has not been uniform across the globe. While the Global North has experienced significant technological advancements and job creation, the Global South has often been left behind, facing challenges such as limited access to technology, infrastructure, and job opportunities.

One of the key areas of focus in the debate on the future of work is the impact of globalization and digitalization on precarious work. Precarious work refers to employment that is unstable, low-paid, and often without benefits or job security. Ethnographic studies have shown that globalization and digitalization have contributed to the expansion of precarious work in Africa, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality.

For example, in many African countries, the growth of multinational corporations has led to the outsourcing of jobs to low-cost labor markets, often resulting in the exploitation of workers. Digital technologies have also played a significant role in the expansion of precarious work, as they have enabled employers to automate tasks and reduce the need for human labor. This has led to the displacement of workers and the creation of new forms of employment that are often less stable and secure.

In response to these challenges, there has been a growing interest in exploring the role of digital technology in new business models and ways in which digitalization can be harnessed for counter mobilization by the new worker. One of the key insights from the book is that digital technology can be used to create new opportunities for employment and economic growth, particularly in the Global South. For example, digital platforms can be used to connect workers with employers, providing them with access to a wider range of job opportunities and increasing their earning potential.

Digital technology can also be used to empower workers and promote their rights. For example, digital platforms can be used to create worker-owned cooperatives, which can provide workers with greater control over their work and greater share of the profits. Digital technologies can also be used to promote worker solidarity and collective action, as workers can use social media and other digital platforms to share information and mobilize for change.

However, the book also highlights the challenges associated with harnessing digitalization for counter mobilization by the new worker. One of the key challenges is the need for digital literacy and skills, which are often lacking in developing countries. This can create barriers to participation in the digital economy and limit the ability of workers to benefit from new opportunities.

Another challenge is the potential for digitalization to exacerbate existing inequalities and create new forms of discrimination. For example, the use of algorithms digital technologies to automate hiring and recruitment processes can lead to bias against certain groups of workers, such as women, people of color, and people with disabilities. This can create a cycle of disadvantage and limit the ability of workers to access job opportunities and advance in their careers.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a range of policy interventions and strategies that can be implemented to promote the benefits of digitalization while mitigating the risks. One of the key recommendations is the need for investment in digital literacy and skills training, particularly for workers in developing countries. This can be achieved through partnerships between governments, private sector companies, and non-profit organizations.

Another recommendation is the need for policies that promote worker empowerment and collective action, such as the creation of worker-owned cooperatives and the promotion of labor rights. These policies can help to create a more equitable and sustainable economy and promote the rights and well-being of workers.

In conclusion, the debate on the future of work has focused on responses to technological trends in the Global North, with little evidence on how these trends are impacting work and workers in the Global South. This innovative book discusses how globalization and digitalization are drivers for structural change and examines their implications for labor. By integrating global labor studies and inequality studies, the book uncovers the significant role of digital technology in shaping new business models and investigates potential strategies for harnessing digitalization to empower and mobilize the emerging workforce. While there are challenges associated with harnessing digitalization for counter mobilization by the new worker, there are also opportunities for new business models and policies to promote the benefits of digitalization while mitigating the risks. By investing in digital literacy and skills training, promoting worker empowerment and collective action, and implementing policies that promote worker rights and well-being, we can create a more equitable and sustainable economy that benefits all workers.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529218794