Robotization and Welfare Scenarios

Abstract

This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion about the impact of robotization on welfare democracies. It advances conjectures on possible future scenarios following the examination of past trajectories. The context of analysis is that corresponding to welfare capitalism in the Western hemisphere. An historical examination of the three Ages of Welfare (Golden, 1945-75; Silver, 1976, 2017; and Bronze, 2008--?) provides the historical bases with the purpose of pondering prospective scenarios. Arguably, the structural economic overturn brought about by robotization and related technologies will challenge substantially the provision of social welfare as we have known it until now. Among the various shocks induced by industry 4.0, robotization will have far-reaching implications for labour markets, employment and welfare arrangements. Neo-feudalism practices and the eventual implementation of minimum income schemes are identified as contrasting future trends.