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Low Skill Manufacturing Work: from skill biased change to technological Regression / Niedrig qualifizierte Industriearbeit: vom qualifikationsbeeinflussten Strukturwandel zur technologischen Regression

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  • Wickham James

    (Department of Sociology, 3 College Green, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland)

Abstract

The theory of the Knowledge Based Society posits a decline of employment both in manufacturing industry and in low skill work generally. The paper explores the logic of this argument and presents possible criticisms. Firstly, computerisation does not remove the need for unskilled but non-routine work in industry. Secondly, when employers can use easily controlled labour (such as new immigrants) this may mean technological stagnation or even regression - and the continuation of unskilled work. In the extreme third case, immigration can even allow the expansion of new forms of low skill manufacturing.

Suggested Citation

  • Wickham James, 2011. "Low Skill Manufacturing Work: from skill biased change to technological Regression / Niedrig qualifizierte Industriearbeit: vom qualifikationsbeeinflussten Strukturwandel zur technologischen Regressio," Arbeit, De Gruyter, vol. 20(3), pages 224-238, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:arbeit:v:20:y:2011:i:3:p:224-238:n:7
    DOI: 10.1515/arbeit-2011-0307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paolo Naticchioni & Andrea Ricci & Emiliano Rustichelli, 2008. "Wage Inequality, Employment Structure and Skill‐biased Change in Italy," LABOUR, CEIS, vol. 22(s1), pages 27-51, June.
    2. Gary Slater, 2012. "Unemployment," Chapters, in: Ben Fine & Alfredo Saad-Filho & Marco Boffo (ed.), The Elgar Companion to Marxist Economics, chapter 57, pages 360-366, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Peter Dolton & Panu Pelkonen, 2008. "The Wage Effects of Computer Use: Evidence from WERS 2004," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 46(4), pages 587-630, December.
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