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Abstract
This article examines the debate concerning the employment implications of the so-called ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (FIR) or the increasing presence of artificial intelligence and robotics in workplaces. I analyze three ‘genres’ associated with this debate (academic studies including neo-classical and heterodox/post-human approaches, the ‘gray literature’, and popular media) and I argue that together they represent ‘futurological fodder’ or discourses and knowledges that ‘perform’ the FIR and its purported consequences. I contend further that these genres involve a complex mix of ethics and politics, and I conclude with a reflection on the political implications of the FIR debate.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 10-27-2021
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/13562576.2021.1985856
Repository Citation
Samers, Michael E. Dr, "Futurological fodder: on communicating the relationship between artificial intelligence, robotics, and employment" (2021). Geography Faculty Publications. 39.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/geography_facpub/39
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Economic Theory Commons, Growth and Development Commons, Human Geography Commons, Industrial Organization Commons, Labor Economics Commons, Other Economics Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Political Economy Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons, Work, Economy and Organizations Commons
Notes/Citation Information
Michael Samers (2021) Futurological fodder: on communicating the relationship between artificial intelligence, robotics, and employment, Space and Polity, 25:2, 237-256, DOI: 10.1080/13562576.2021.1985856