Futures

The Interplay of Democracy, Work, and Economic Justice in Modern Society, (from page 20240210.)

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Summary

The text discusses two key truths about democracy highlighted by Franklin Delano Roosevelt: the danger of private power overpowering democratic governance, and the necessity of a business system that ensures employment and equitable distribution of goods for a decent standard of living. It reflects on Alain Supiot’s views on the changing relationship to work, where people increasingly prioritize time over money, leading to disengagement from traditional work values. Supiot emphasizes a ‘secession’ of ordinary people from political and economic participation, paralleling growing distrust in institutions. He advocates for restoring economic democracy and social justice as essential components to counter totalitarianism, linking historical lessons to contemporary challenges, including the impacts of financialization and globalization on labor and economic power.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Growing Distrust in Institutions Workers exhibit increasing distrust towards institutions, paralleling political electoral abstention. Shift from trust and engagement in institutions to a sense of disillusionment and disengagement. Potential rise in alternative governance models or community-led initiatives in response to institutional failures. Continuous failure of traditional institutions to address people’s needs and concerns. 4
Ambivalence Towards Work A significant decrease in the importance placed on work by workers, especially in France. Transition from valuing work as central to identity to prioritizing personal time and well-being. Work culture may evolve to prioritize work-life balance and personal fulfillment over traditional success metrics. The desire for a healthier work-life balance and personal autonomy. 5
Secession of Ordinary People A trend of ordinary people feeling disconnected and seceding from traditional political and economic structures. From active participation in democratic and economic systems to a sense of alienation and withdrawal. Potential emergence of new forms of grassroots governance and economic models that prioritize local involvement. A growing perception of disenfranchisement and lack of control over societal structures. 4
Rise of Generative AI in Work Increased concern among marketers about AI leading to workforce reductions and budget cuts. Shift from human-centric teams to reliance on AI for productivity and efficiency. Workforce structures may fundamentally change, with fewer human roles in many sectors due to AI. The rapid advancement and adoption of AI technologies in the workplace. 5
Financialization of the Economy The economy increasingly prioritizes shareholder profit over worker welfare and job security. From a focus on equitable economic growth to prioritizing financial gain for a few. Economic models may evolve to address growing inequalities or face backlash from disaffected workers. The ongoing trend of globalization and deregulation in economic policies. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Concentration of Private Power The growing concentration of private power undermines democracy and could lead to fascism or economic despotism. 5
Disengagement from Work A significant shift in worker attitudes towards work may lead to a labor shortage and impact economic stability. 4
Erosion of Democratic Institutions Distrust in democratic institutions and a loss of control may lead to increased political apathy and social unrest. 5
Impact of Financialization on Public Health The financialization of the economy threatens equitable access to healthcare, potentially leading to social injustice. 4
Lost Sovereignty of the State The loss of monetary and budgetary sovereignty hinders the state’s ability to ensure social and economic democracy. 5
Technological Unemployment The rise of AI tools may lead to significant job losses and workforce reductions in various sectors. 4
Socioeconomic Inequality Increasing economic inequalities exacerbate discontent and could lead to social movements or revolts. 5
Absence of Political Engagement Declining voter turnout and engagement may weaken democratic systems and governance. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Secession of Ordinary People A growing disengagement of ordinary people from political and economic systems, reflecting a loss of trust in institutions and a desire for self-determination. 5
Ambivalence Toward Work Workers are increasingly valuing time off over monetary compensation, indicating a shift in work-life balance priorities. 4
Economic and Political Democracy Linkage Recognizing the interconnectedness of political and economic democracy as essential for social justice and effective governance. 5
Protest Voting and Employment Abstention A trend where citizens express dissatisfaction through abstaining from voting and disengaging from traditional employment, reflecting disillusionment. 4
Demand for Meaningful Work A rising aspiration among younger generations to engage in work that is purposeful and socially beneficial rather than merely financially lucrative. 4
Financialization of Economy The trend of prioritizing shareholder profits over employee welfare, leading to economic and social inequalities. 5
Impact of Generative AI on Workforce A significant concern that generative AI will lead to workforce reductions and changes in work expectations in various industries. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Generative AI AI tools that can create content, automate tasks, and potentially reduce workforce needs. 5
Post-Work Movement A cultural shift where individuals prioritize time off over traditional work hours and financial gain. 4
Digital Revolution in Employment The ongoing transformation of work dynamics due to advancements in technology, impacting job structures and roles. 4
Financialization of the Economy The increasing dominance of financial motives, financial markets, and financial institutions in the economy. 3

Issues

name description relevancy
Concentration of Private Power Growing private power that undermines democratic states and economic effectiveness, leading to potential fascism and economic despotism. 5
Shift in Work Values Workers increasingly prioritize time off over monetary compensation, reflecting a fundamental shift in attitudes toward work and its significance. 4
Secession of Ordinary People Disengagement of ordinary people from political and economic systems, resulting in both electoral and employment abstention as forms of protest. 5
Economic Inequality and Democracy Rising economic inequalities threaten the foundations of political and economic democracy, leading to social unrest and demands for justice. 5
Impact of Generative AI on Employment Concerns over generative AI leading to workforce reductions and changes in job roles within marketing and other sectors. 4
Disinvestment from Work A growing trend of individuals opting out of traditional work structures, reflecting broader societal changes and disillusionment with work. 4
Healthcare System Inequality Emerging issues related to unequal access to healthcare, exacerbated by economic disparities and potential political instability. 5
Loss of Trust in Institutions Decreasing trust in institutions, including businesses and government, contributing to societal disengagement and unrest. 5