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Peoples & Things

Salem Elzway and Jason Resnikoff on Automation

Nov 4, 2024
Salem Elzway, a postdoctoral fellow at USC, and Jason Resnikoff, an assistant professor at the University of Groningen, delve into the history of automation and its multifaceted impact on labor. They explore the misconceptions surrounding automation, emphasizing the need for collaborative research. The discussion spans the historical significance of labor movements, technological optimism, and the interplay between automation and socio-political dynamics. Additionally, they reflect on the evolving nature of work, the impact of unions, and the challenges posed by modern technological advancements.
01:21:24

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Quick takeaways

  • The podcast critiques conventional views of automation, highlighting the disconnect between expectations and actual productivity outcomes since the 1970s.
  • Elzway and Resnikoff advocate for collaborative history research to deepen understanding of automation's socio-political impact on labor dynamics.

Deep dives

The Framing of Automation in Historical Context

The podcast delves into the historical framing of automation, highlighting a significant disconnect between technological optimism and actual outcomes. Early discussions from the AI bubble in the mid-2010s projected drastic productivity growth and job losses due to advancements in technology. However, this predicted transformation did not materialize, as productivity gains have been disappointingly low since the 1970s. This raises important questions about the narratives surrounding automation, suggesting a need for a more nuanced historical analysis that goes beyond surface-level hype.

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