New Technologies, Transformation of Labour Process, and Future of Work in the Global South: An Overview

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the multifaceted impact of digital technologies on the future of work, particularly in the Global South. It highlights the potential for technological advancements to enhance productivity and create new opportunities, as well as the concerns about job displacement, rising inequality, and the proliferation of precarious work through digital labour platforms. The analysis explores the convergence of technological advancements with broader economic forces, the rise of algorithmic management and its implications for worker well-being, and the specific challenges faced by developing economies in adapting to rapid technological change. By drawing on historical parallels and examining diverse case studies, the overview advocates for a human-centred approach to technological transformation, emphasising the importance of social dialogue, worker empowerment, and equitable distribution of the benefits of progress. It concludes that a nuanced understanding of technology's interaction with existing social and economic structures is crucial for shaping a just and sustainable future of work.