FILMAKERS LIBRARY
SOCIOLOGY
The Future of Work
Produced by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
In
the information revolution, just as in the industrial revolution that preceded
it, machines are changing the workplace, making certain skills obsolete and
leaving vast numbers of workers angry, frustrated and feeling powerless. In
this provocative film we hear from economist Jeremy Rifkin (author of The
End of Work) who foresees a calamity of global proportions as 80% of the
workforce is marginalized, replaced by robots and computers. Only the well-educated,
technologically adept people will survive. He predicts that society will become
more polarized between rich and poor; the standard of living of even the middle
class will slip ; and the psychological trauma of unemployment will have far
reaching effects on society.
Mr. Rifkin feels that political leadership can help avert these dire consequences
with innovative thinking. He proposes a 30 -hour work week and the alternation
of work time with child care among married couples. Volunteer work in the non
profit sector should be considered "social capital", paid for by the
government. A "value-added tax " on high tech goods and services would
be put in a pool of money for the unemployed to work in non-profit jobs.
On the other hand, we hear from businessman, economist Stanley Hartt who feels
that businesses must continue to cut back on employees to keep the "bottom
line' profitable. He acknowledges that there will be short term suffering, but
thinks in the long run everything will work out. The questions provoked by The
Future of Work will enliven any course on economics, society, and social
theory. It will also warn young people of the importance of being skilled in
the information age.
28 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $55.
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