The automation and robotization of production in both pure labor occupations and very knowledge-intensive occupations will make the majority redundant on the labor market within 10-15 years, writes a research director at Stanford University. Even doctors will find it difficult to compete qualitatively with medical robots and computers. Already today, computers can write journalistic articles by themselves. I think the solution lies in a decent citizen's wage that allows us to consume. Hopefully the automated industry needs us as consumers anyway.
The few jobs that remain will be very knowledge-intensive and require a lot of further education as they will quickly become obsolete. The renewal of industry and the economy that used to take place over generations is now taking place in a shorter period of time than a normal political term of 3-5 years. Then labor market training, komvux, ky/vocational college and university studies are needed again and again in life.
A citizen's wage is probably not possible to introduce today as workers and white-collar workers are still needed, but as less and less work is needed, we need to create a decent citizen's wage. Perhaps this could be 20 a month before tax by today's standards and the few who work could earn 000 a month with 40's wage and price level. The money for the citizen's salary could come from taxes on company profits, stock dividends, sales and wealth. In the meantime, we could have a generous social insurance system that creates security during the major current and imminent upheavals of the economy and industry.
Read the American scientist's thoughts here.
20K is more than I ever made at one job. 18K at most before tax.
There must be some carrot to wanting to earn more money, i.e. work/educate. So I'd say 15K before tax is fine and dandy.
You have to remember that the job market will be completely changed when the article's future scenario plays out. The citizen's most important social service will not be to work but to maintain consumption. There will only be work for maybe 5-10% of the working population. And these 5-10% will earn a lot.
Interesting article! Could it not be that the number of employees in service professions increases, if the number of employees in production decreases. People are always finding something to do - and make money from. Sincerely, Lars Gahrn
If computers can replace journalists and doctors, then surely people in the service sector are not needed either.