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Understanding Technological Unemployment: A Review of Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Author

Listed:
  • Yuri Lima

    (Graduate School of Engineering (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil)

  • Carlos Eduardo Barbosa

    (Graduate School of Engineering (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
    Center of Analysis of Naval Systems (CASNAV)—Brazilian Navy, São Paulo 552, Brazil)

  • Herbert Salazar dos Santos

    (Graduate School of Engineering (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil)

  • Jano Moreira de Souza

    (Graduate School of Engineering (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil)

Abstract

Many studies have focused on estimating the impact of automation on work around the world with results ranging widely. Despite the disagreement about the level of impact that automation will have, experts agree that new technologies tend to be applied to every economic sector, thus impacting work regardless of substituting or complementing it. The purpose of this study is to move on from the discussion about the size of the impact of automation to understanding the main social impacts that automation will cause and what actions should be taken to deal with them. For this purpose, we reviewed literature about technological unemployment found in Scopus and Web of Science published since 2000, presenting an academic view of the actions necessary to deal with the social impact of automation. Our results summarize causes, consequences, and solutions for the technological unemployment found in the literature. We also found that the literature is mainly concentrated on the areas of economy, sociology, and philosophy, with the authors situated in developed economies such as the USA, Europe, and New Zealand. Finally, we present the research agenda proposed by the reviewed papers that could motivate new research on the subject.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuri Lima & Carlos Eduardo Barbosa & Herbert Salazar dos Santos & Jano Moreira de Souza, 2021. "Understanding Technological Unemployment: A Review of Causes, Consequences, and Solutions," Societies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:11:y:2021:i:2:p:50-:d:559594
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Natalie Leesakul & Anne-Marie Oostveen & Iveta Eimontaite & Max L. Wilson & Richard Hyde, 2022. "Workplace 4.0: Exploring the Implications of Technology Adoption in Digital Manufacturing on a Sustainable Workforce," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-24, March.

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