Section A – Question 1 Evidence from Canada and elsewhere suggests that new computer-based information technologies are having differential effects on employment and the quality of work. Which groups of workers may be benefiting from the implementation of these technologies and which groups may be negatively impacted? Why? Is the situation any different for workers in the information-services economy compared to workers in the older industrial economy?
It is undeniable that technology, especially computer-based technology, affects society in practically every aspect, including employment and the quality of work. Like all technological changes, although they may not be evident immediately, there are negative and positive effects and different …show more content…
These individuals of the lower class are losing out because of computer-based technologies. They will frequently work at jobs in retail or food establishments because this is the type of work that society deems them qualified for. Furthermore, even working in such an industry, someone can be considered at a grave disadvantage or even at risk of their positions becoming obsolete. Workers in this sector are no longer required to have the same amount of skills when it comes to mathematics, organization, and even cooking and this leads to a disposable employee. Computer-based information technologies have been implemented in many cases to decrease the level of necessary skill to work in such a position. Ovens in the food service industry have pre-set timers. Cash registers are essentially all computerized and no challenging thinking is required. Many grocery stores have implemented self-check outs where the customer can play the role of the cashier. This concept decreases the number of jobs required for this industry and also portrays the position of a cashier as unimportant and replaceable. Computer technologies have produced a less skilled labour force in some sectors of the
It is undeniable that technology, especially computer-based technology, affects society in practically every aspect, including employment and the quality of work. Like all technological changes, although they may not be evident immediately, there are negative and positive effects and different …show more content…
These individuals of the lower class are losing out because of computer-based technologies. They will frequently work at jobs in retail or food establishments because this is the type of work that society deems them qualified for. Furthermore, even working in such an industry, someone can be considered at a grave disadvantage or even at risk of their positions becoming obsolete. Workers in this sector are no longer required to have the same amount of skills when it comes to mathematics, organization, and even cooking and this leads to a disposable employee. Computer-based information technologies have been implemented in many cases to decrease the level of necessary skill to work in such a position. Ovens in the food service industry have pre-set timers. Cash registers are essentially all computerized and no challenging thinking is required. Many grocery stores have implemented self-check outs where the customer can play the role of the cashier. This concept decreases the number of jobs required for this industry and also portrays the position of a cashier as unimportant and replaceable. Computer technologies have produced a less skilled labour force in some sectors of the