A Reflection on the future of work and society

Abstract

A key question concerning the interaction between work, society and the individual is whether or not we will work in the future, and how it will be decided who does or does not work. This key question also raises a number of other issues, including potential inequalities (or the deepening of existing inequalities) and power structures, which are of particular importance in view of the current fragmentation of work (short-term contracts, gig work, project-based work, etc.) and the imbalance of power between employers and workers. In the short to medium term (and also potentially in the longer term), this key question will also depend greatly on the context and level of development, as work can be a necessity, not a choice.