BEHS WEEK 5

Running Head: BEHS WEEK 5 2

BEHS WEEK 5 2

BEHS Week 5

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Discussion 1

What is the relationship between technological innovation and work, productivity, economic security, and social class?

Technological innovation has simplified aspects of work leading to increased efficiency. Technological innovation has also increased productivity while reducing the cost of production (Madakam et al., 2019). If technological innovation positively impacts productivity a similar trickle effect is seen in economic security. Good economic security implies increased income which provides the opportunity for individuals to move up in the social class ladder.

What opportunities and limitations have been created with the rise of digital technologies? What is the future of work as technology becomes more advanced?

The rise of digital technologies has led to the mechanization of many tasks which increase productivity or output. However, a limitation of this rise is that it has led to the loss of job opportunities as tasks that were previously performed by humans are now being performed by machines. Advancement in technology has implications for the future of work. The skills that will be valued will be in regard to the ability of individuals to operate advanced technology (Madakam et al., 2019).

What are some ways that employers, policymakers, and workers can adapt to an increasingly digital world?  What skills do workers need to set themselves apart in a world that relies more and more on digital technology?

Employers can adopt an increasingly digital world by embracing technological changes at the workplace and providing relevant pieces of training to employees about handling technology. Workers can undertake training to ensure they acquire the demanded technical skills. Policymakers can develop more policies to protect the rights of individuals in the digital space. Some of the skills that workers need include programming, data analytics, artificial intelligence, information security, and data visualization.

Discussion 2

How did technology impact “women’s work?”

Technology has positively and negatively impacted women's work. Some of the technologies have simplified work done by women hence improving their efficiency. However, there is no denying that when compared to men women have less understanding of technology have less presence online, and have fewer digital skills (Madakam et al., 2019). Across all industries automation, robotics and AI continue to dominate and necessitate for the workforce to have relevant skills in such technology. This calls for the need for women to embrace technology and learn skills that matter if they are to compete with their male counterparts for future positions.

What is the “digital gender divide” and what steps can be taken to close this gap?

The digital gender divide accounts for the existing disparities between genders in terms of use and access to digital technology (Chandra, 2022). This gap can be closed by providing education opportunities for both genders. It is especially important to ensure more women get into tech and empower them. Women can be provided with technological tools which will contribute to equal access to ICTs.

Very little research has been done regarding technology, work, and masculinity. How do you think that technology has impacted gender roles for men in the workplace and in the home?

Technology has positively impacted gender roles for men both in the office and at home. This has greatly improved efficiency. Men are more involved in household activities as technology has simplified such activities (Madakam et al., 2019).

References

5 Ways Technology Will Revolutionize Government in the 2020s. (n.d.). Nextgov.com. https://www.nextgov.com/ideas/2020/01/5-ways-technology-will-revolutionize-government-2020s/162236/

Anderson, J., & Rainie, L. (2020). Expert Say Digital Disruption Will Hurt democracy.

Botella, C., Rueda, S., López-Iñesta, E., & Marzal, P. (2019). Gender Diversity in STEM Disciplines: A Multiple Factor Problem. Entropy, 21(1), 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/e21010030

Chandra, A. (2022). Bridging the Digital Gender Divide: Prerequisite for Women Empowerment. Gender Perspectives on Industry 4.0 and the Impact of Technology on Mainstreaming Female Employment. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/bridging-the-digital-gender-divide/298277

Madakam, S., M. Holmukhe, R., & Kumar Jaiswal, D. (2019). The Future Digital Work Force: Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management, 16. https://doi.org/10.4301/s1807-1775201916001

Sherif Elsayed-Ali. (2016, October 11). Five ways technology will shape the future of politics, society and human rights. Medium; Medium. https://medium.com/@sherifea/five-ways-technology-will-shape-the-future-of-politics-society-and-human-rights-8ee0bb12944a