Development Begins at Home: Problems and Prospects of the Sociology of Development examines the challenges posed by development to the field of sociology. The book first reviews colonialism and the emergent One World in terms of the history of ideas; discusses attitudes towards development; and examines the definitions of development. These are followed by separate chapters on the contributions of sociology to development studies. The considerable wealth of sociology in dealing with change and, to a lesser extent, with development is identified. Subsequent chapters examine points of departure for current and prospective work in the sociology of development. One is the profile of underdevelopment, sociologically understood, along with the matching configuration of development goals. Another is the true meaning of social development, as opposed to economic development. The main finding is that development may well cause the general outlook of sociology to change. The prospect is for a sociology of human dignity in the social nexus.

World-renowned economist Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, explains that we have an opportunity to shape the fourth industrial revolu­tion, which will fundamentally alter how we live and work. Schwab argues that this revolution is different in scale, scope and complexity from any that have come before. Characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds, the developments are affecting all disciplines, economies, industries and governments, and even challenging ideas about what it means to be human. Artificial intelligence is already all around us, from supercomputers, drones and virtual assistants to 3D printing, DNA sequencing, smart thermostats, wear­able sensors and microchips smaller than a grain of sand. But this is just the beginning: nanomaterials 200 times stronger than steel and a million times thinner than a strand of hair and the first transplant of a 3D printed liver are already in development. Imagine “smart factories” in which global systems of manu­facturing are coordinated virtually, or implantable mobile phones made of biosynthetic materials. The fourth industrial revolution, says Schwab, is more significant, and its ramifications more profound, than in any prior period of human history. He outlines the key technologies driving this revolution and discusses the major impacts expected on government, business, civil society and individu­als. Schwab also offers bold ideas on how to harness these changes and shape a better future—one in which technology empowers people rather than replaces them; progress serves society rather than disrupts it; and in which innovators respect moral and ethical boundaries rather than cross them. We all have the opportunity to contribute to developing new frame­works that advance progress.

A deeply-reported examination of why "doing what you love" is a recipe for exploitation, creating a new tyranny of work in which we cheerily acquiesce to doing jobs that take over our lives. You're told that if you "do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life." Whether it's working for "exposure" and "experience," or enduring poor treatment in the name of "being part of the family," all employees are pushed to make sacrifices for the privilege of being able to do what we love. In Work Won't Love You Back, Sarah Jaffe, a preeminent voice on labor, inequality, and social movements, examines this "labor of love" myth—the idea that certain work is not really work, and therefore should be done out of passion instead of pay. Told through the lives and experiences of workers in various industries—from the unpaid intern, to the overworked teacher, to the nonprofit worker and even the professional athlete—Jaffe reveals how all of us have been tricked into buying into a new tyranny of work. As Jaffe argues, understanding the trap of the labor of love will empower us to work less and demand what our work is worth. And once freed from those binds, we can finally figure out what actually gives us joy, pleasure, and satisfaction.

In an era where generational shifts occur concurrently with evolving mindsets, professionals across various industries strive to harmonize personal and career aspirations. However, recent times have witnessed challenges in achieving this equilibrium, exacerbated by unpredictable climatic changes. This book delves into the realm of the construction industry, where a substantial workforce operates under the open sky across diverse locations. Navigating the intricacies of personal and professional spheres becomes especially daunting for employees stationed at remote project sites. Here, the absence of a structured rhythm breeds stress and eventually culminates in health-related repercussions. Thus, the imperative for establishing a robust work-life rhythm has permeated every facet of individual existence. This paradigm facilitates lucid decision-making, and prioritization, and underscores the significance of familial support. Moreover, integrating comprehensive HR policies is paramount in fostering a conducive environment that nurtures work-life balance within the construction sector. These policies should encompass flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, and provisions for remote access to support systems. By embracing such initiatives, organizations can empower their workforce to navigate the demands of both professional obligations and personal well-being more effectively.

The innovation economy is the driver for the development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and consequently, there is a growing focus on innovation in general and technological innovation in particular. In this context, there is much to suggest that it is the triple impact of artificial intelligence, big data and 5G- and 6G networks that will go beyond the limits of existing competence. This book is about the new competence that is emerging in the wake of artificial intelligence and intelligent robots. It explains how these two technologies are completely fundamental to what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The author argues that artificial intelligence will promote automation, which will reduce wages rather than increase unemployment statistics. The book posits that when the utility value of technology and the rate of dissemination of technology is high, people who have the necessary competence will both future-proof their jobs in the labour market and also be among the highest-paid workers in the new economy that is emerging from the innovation economy. Further, by making education more compatible with new technology will enable graduates to access more secure and better paid jobs, and all behavioural fields related to new technology will flourish because they can be used in many contexts to steer people’s behaviour in certain directions through the integration of big data and artificial intelligence. The book employs the following scholarly methods: conceptual generalization, scenario-based thinking and historical economic methodology, thus it will be of particular benefit to academic scholars, researchers and graduate students who are concerned with the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on the labour market.

In the past, work has shaped the way we live. In the near future, the way we live may shape the way we work. Workspheres creatively confronts the design demands of the ever-evolving contemporary work environment. Featuring design products, prototypes, and models, as well as previewing a ground-breaking exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, this exciting book introduces work concepts originated by internationally recognized designers who address the unique needs of specific work scenarios, including the nomadic office of a business traveler; the domestic office; the virtual office; and more traditional offices in settings configured for group interaction. Essays and commentaries by an international group of design experts explore such themes as individuality within a corporation; the impact of digital technology on the organization of time and schedule; and the economic significance of flexible work configurations. Copiously illustrated, this source-book will be of wide popular interest.