The End of Jobs

The US & international unemployment situation is examined in terms of changes in economic functions, demographics, & fundamental questions of human existence. It is reported that increased reliance on foreign labor for manufacturing, as well as service jobs, has created permanent unemploymen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin of science, technology & society technology & society, 1996-08, Vol.16 (4), p.183-188
Main Author: Barnet, Richard J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Deindustrialization
Economic Policy
Employment Changes
Globalization
International Division of Labor
Labor Policy
Unemployment
United States of America
World Economy
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Summary:The US & international unemployment situation is examined in terms of changes in economic functions, demographics, & fundamental questions of human existence. It is reported that increased reliance on foreign labor for manufacturing, as well as service jobs, has created permanent unemployment problems in the US. Assumption of technological rescue has revived sagging employment throughout this century, but the postindustrial technologies, eg, biotechnology & environmental technology, are unlikely to significantly affect the US job market. It is argued that increased need for jobs -- due to high birth rates, improved public health, increased automation, & the feminization of the workforce -- is beyond the demands for labor. Fear & confusion about the interrelated causes & competing economic strategies inhibit policymakers from committing to or investing in sensible solutions, eg, military-to-industrial conversion strategies. Previous research suggests that policies aimed at improving education & family support are more effective at increasing employment than macroeconomic regulations, eg, investment tax credits & lower interest rates. It is suggested that a reconceptualization of the global economy is needed to change global economic values that place efficient production of goods above human welfare. C. Ryan
ISSN:0270-4676
1552-4183
DOI:10.1177/027046769601600405