Hardback
Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work
Global Production Networks, Global Disassembly Networks, and the Circular Economy
9781800375369 Edward Elgar Publishing
This unique book offers an in-depth examination of the changing nature of work and the production of waste in a crisis-ridden era dominated by climate change and worker precarity.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This timely book offers an in-depth examination of the changing nature of work and the increasing production of waste in a crisis-ridden era dominated by climate change and worker precarity.
Focusing on the future of work and workers, the book explores the crucial relationship between global production networks and global disassembly networks, recognising the importance of this interdependence within a circular economy. Authors Al Rainnie, Andrew Herod and Susan McGrath-Champ conduct cross-disciplinary analyses to assess the effect of digitalization and automation upon the structure of work, in particular considering platform capitalism and the gig economy. They highlight concerns with respect to the Green New Deal and circular economy policies, emphasizing the need for a sensitive approach to geographical variations within capitalist landscapes.
Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work is a crucial read for students and researchers specializing in development economics, economic geography, labour economics, labour and industrial relations, discard studies and the sociology of work. Its cross-disciplinary approach will also be of interest to students of environmental studies, digital technology and history.
Focusing on the future of work and workers, the book explores the crucial relationship between global production networks and global disassembly networks, recognising the importance of this interdependence within a circular economy. Authors Al Rainnie, Andrew Herod and Susan McGrath-Champ conduct cross-disciplinary analyses to assess the effect of digitalization and automation upon the structure of work, in particular considering platform capitalism and the gig economy. They highlight concerns with respect to the Green New Deal and circular economy policies, emphasizing the need for a sensitive approach to geographical variations within capitalist landscapes.
Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work is a crucial read for students and researchers specializing in development economics, economic geography, labour economics, labour and industrial relations, discard studies and the sociology of work. Its cross-disciplinary approach will also be of interest to students of environmental studies, digital technology and history.
Critical Acclaim
‘Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work takes us to the frontiers of the restructuring economy, where rapid technological advances are transforming employment relations. This is an insightful, wide-ranging, and accessible book that provides the critical analysis we need as we grapple with the possible future(s) of work … and of workers.’
– Nik Theodore, University of Illinois Chicago, USA
‘This book places work and workers at the centre of analysis of contemporary industry 4.0 dominated by digitisation, AI, platforms and the gig economy. This fills a significant gap in much of the related literature, providing a nuanced perspective on the gains – and especially losses experienced by many millions of precarious workers and their communities. Further, it explores how social and ecological precarity are reinforced in the global production of waste and circular economy, challenging many current perspectives. It is essential reading for all interested in the implications of innovation and future of work.’
– Stephanie Barrientos, University of Manchester, UK
– Nik Theodore, University of Illinois Chicago, USA
‘This book places work and workers at the centre of analysis of contemporary industry 4.0 dominated by digitisation, AI, platforms and the gig economy. This fills a significant gap in much of the related literature, providing a nuanced perspective on the gains – and especially losses experienced by many millions of precarious workers and their communities. Further, it explores how social and ecological precarity are reinforced in the global production of waste and circular economy, challenging many current perspectives. It is essential reading for all interested in the implications of innovation and future of work.’
– Stephanie Barrientos, University of Manchester, UK
Contents
Contents
Introduction to Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work
1 Rudiments
2 From GVCs to GPNS, i4.0, and beyond
3 What about the workers?
4 Platform capitalism and the gig economy
5 Waste and the circular economy
6 From global production networks to global disassembly
networks and back again
7 In the beginning was the waste …
8 Conclusion to Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work
References
Introduction to Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work
1 Rudiments
2 From GVCs to GPNS, i4.0, and beyond
3 What about the workers?
4 Platform capitalism and the gig economy
5 Waste and the circular economy
6 From global production networks to global disassembly
networks and back again
7 In the beginning was the waste …
8 Conclusion to Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work
References
