New Books in Sociology

Antonio A. Casilli, "Waiting for Robots: The Hired Hands of Automation" (U Chicago Press, 2025)

Jan 31, 2025
Antonio A. Casilli, a sociology professor at the Institute Polytechnique de Paris, delves into the overlooked human labor powering AI technologies. He argues that rather than robots stealing jobs, it's humans taking on increasingly menial roles in digital labor. Casilli sheds light on the exploitation of underpaid workers, particularly from the Global South, whose efforts keep algorithms functioning. He emphasizes the urgent need for recognizing these contributions and rethinking labor rights in the gig economy. His insights reveal the delicate balance between automation and human value in today's workforce.
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