Q. Critically assess the impact of technological advancement and automation on the nature of work and employment.

Model Answer:

The impact of technological advancement and automation on work and employment has been profound, reshaping industries, job roles, and labor markets globally.

Key effects include:

• Job displacement: Automation has eliminated many routine and manual jobs, particularly in manufacturing and clerical work. This has led to structural unemployment in certain sectors.

• Skill polarization: The labor market has seen a growing divide between high-skill, high-wage jobs and low-skill, low-wage jobs, with a hollowing out of middle-skill occupations.

• New job creation: Technology has spawned new industries and job categories, such as data science and digital marketing, offsetting some job losses.

• Changing skill demands: Workers increasingly need digital literacy and adaptability to remain employable, leading to a skills gap in many industries.

• Gig economy growth: Digital platforms have facilitated the rise of freelance and contract work, offering flexibility but often with reduced job security and benefits.

• Workplace surveillance: Advanced monitoring technologies have intensified worker oversight, raising privacy concerns and potentially increasing stress levels.

• Productivity gains: Automation has significantly boosted productivity in many sectors, though the distribution of these gains remains uneven.

These changes have sparked debates about technological unemployment, universal basic income, and the need for lifelong learning to adapt to an evolving job market.

Conclusion: While technological advancement offers opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it also presents challenges in ensuring equitable distribution of benefits and supporting displaced workers through the transition.