Automation, Digital Technologies and the Future of Work

This session will introduce and explore debates around technology and the future of work. It will reflect in particular on the theoretical and methodological lenses that can help make sense of how technological change is affecting work and workers internationally. No prior expertise or experience in studying work and employment is required. Topics covered include: the use of Social Shaping of Technology theory to understand digital technologies in the workplace; using survey methods to understand the proliferation of digital technologies (and its obstacles).

The format of this session is guest presentations supplemented by group activities, with a networking lunch at the end.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand in broad terms what is at stake in the social science debate on technology and the future of work, and develop an awareness of key questions
• Understand the use of different theoretical perspectives for explaining and analysing how digital technologies affect (and are affected by) workplaces, and how these may be operationalized using qualitative methods
• Understand how quantitative techniques can be used to examine the proliferation of digital technologies at work, and the key obstacles in this process