Sleepers, Wake!: Technology and the Future of Work

By Barry O. Jones

Book Overview

Just as the industrial revolution rattled the foundations of 18th- and 19th-century society, so today's high-technology revolution is sure to have an equally profound effect on people and employment in all advanced societies. But will these changes enhance or degrade the quality of life to come? This second edition of Sleepers, Wake!, now with completely updated figures, investigates the impact of past technological revolutions on the work process and labor force. Drawing on an eclectic range of sources, the book provides a provocative analysis of work and technology today and suggests a political program for getting the best, not the worst, out of our current technological revolution.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195544536
• ISBN13: 9780195544534
• Release Date: November 1985
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.9" x 0.8" x 5.2"

Customer Reviews

A galaxy of information, interpreted

Book reviews usually focus on the contents of the book. In this case, I think knowing more about the author is more helpful. Barry Jones is a latter-day Benjamin Franklin, with a better memory. Barry Jones has an amazing brain for remembering facts. In the early 60's, he became the greatest quizmaster in the world, starting by making a name for himself on Bob Dyer's Pick-a-box, and then taking on international competition. His knowledge base is global. Back then, quizzes were good radio (and television), and Barry has corrected the Encyclopedia Brittanica twice in competition, giving both the Britannica answer and the better scientific explanation. These powers of memory are combined with one of the most acute and clear-thinking minds in the world, which is why he is regarded in Australia as a national treasure. His conclusions are not always popular, and when he first published Sleepers, Wake! in 1982, they upset many people, particularly politicians who knew very little of technology and change. Which is how he finished up in politics, playing an important role. If you like books written by thinking and gentle men who have been elevated to high office on pure talent and good will, and are interested in the economic future of the industrial world, then this book is an enlightenment. And no, I don't agree with all his conclusions, but his analysis is beyond reproach!

Impact of Changing Technology on Employment

This book discusses the links between technological change and employment levels in developed countries, with an emphasis on Australia. Barry Jones introduces a five-part economic analysis to assist analysis of employment levels, as well as a good analysis of historical impacts of technology. The book also delves into the question of what we will do when the need to work declines as technology displaces more workers. Written in a very erudite style, with thorough referencing. A book everyone should read if they are at all concerned about having to work for a living. Now available in a 4th edition, which you should look at for the latest data.

Future directions for information based economies

Barry Jones's thesis about revolutionary changes in the labour force, Sleepers, Wake! was originally published in 1982 and is now in its fourth edition. Jones explores the impact and future implications of the Information technology revolution on the labour market and society in general. The very fact that this book has endured the test of time provides a good indication as to the strength of Jones's analysis. An immensely stimulating and thought provoking read