Work and Social Justice: Rethinking Labour in Society and the Economy

The book examines the urgent workplace challenges we face today, from automation to AI and climate change, and advocates for a more egalitarian and sustainable future that builds workers' protections into economic systems. It is a valuable resource for social scientists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The current economic perspective, which views paid work solely in terms of its economic implications, fails to capture the full scope of its significance in our lives as individuals and as a society. This book aims to address the pressing workplace challenges we are currently facing, including the impact of automation, AI, and climate change, through an interdisciplinary and historical analysis that expands the boundaries of existing economic literature. By examining the proposed solutions to these issues, the book advocates for a more egalitarian and sustainable future that incorporates workers' protections into the very fabric of our economic systems. This is a powerful call for greater economic, social, and workplace justice and equality, and it serves as a valuable resource for social scientists from diverse fields such as heterodox economics, business, and sociology.

The impact of automation on the workforce is a significant concern, as it has the potential to lead to job displacement and economic inequality. This book explores the various proposals and strategies being proposed to address this issue, including the adoption of universal basic income, the promotion of skill-based training programs, and the implementation of labor market policies that prioritize job creation and worker well-being.

Another pressing challenge facing the workplace is the rise of AI and its potential to automate many routine tasks and jobs. This book examines the ethical and social implications of AI, including the potential for job loss, the erosion of privacy, and the impact on social cohesion. It also explores the potential for AI to create new job opportunities and to enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

Climate change is another critical issue that is shaping the workplace, with its potential to impact job availability, productivity, and profitability. This book examines the economic and environmental implications of climate change, including the costs of mitigation and adaptation, and the potential for new business opportunities in the green economy.

In addition to these challenges, the book also explores the broader social and political implications of the workplace, including the role of labor unions, the impact of globalization, and the challenges faced by marginalized workers. It advocates for a more inclusive and equitable workplace that values diversity, promotes worker empowerment, and ensures fair wages and benefits for all workers.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the urgent workplace challenges we are facing today, and it offers valuable insights and recommendations for building a more egalitarian and sustainable future. It is a must-read for social scientists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between work, economics, and society.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447369936