The Future of Work: Technology and Employment Trends

This lecture explores the impact of technology on the future of work, analyzing past trends in employment to predict upcoming changes. Starting with Jeremy Rifkin's prediction of a workerless world, the instructor discusses the role of labour-saving technologies and the reasons why technology does not lead to the end of work. By examining historical data on employment changes, the lecture delves into occupational transformations, drivers of change, and the evolution of job quality across different sectors. The discussion extends to the implications of technological advancements on job polarization, class structures, and the potential scenarios for future societies. Emphasizing the importance of political decisions in shaping the future, the lecture concludes with a reflection on the balance between available work and financial resources in society.