Automation as a Cross-Pressure: Inequality Concern and Economic Nationalism

• In Event: Emerging Scholars Lightning Round: Graduate Student Research: Contemporary Issues in (Non)Democratic Governance

Abstract

This research paper explores the intricate relationship between inequality concern, economic nationalism, and the effects of automation on society. As the rapid advancement of automation technology reshapes the labor market and economic landscape, understanding how individuals navigate the complex dynamics of this transformation becomes crucial. While policymakers engage in ongoing discussions about the government's role in managing automation's impact, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of how people perceive and respond to this ambivalent change, which can both exacerbate inequality and offer new economic opportunities.

This study aims to address this gap by examining how individuals confront cross-pressure stemming from their desire for technological prowess on the global stage and their concerns about growing economic inequality. We argue that by framing automation as a means to enhance national competitiveness in the global economic arena, governments can garner increased support for accelerating the automation process. This support is particularly pronounced when governments simultaneously pledge to expand social safety nets to mitigate potential job displacement caused by automation.

To test these hypotheses, we conduct an original survey experiment drawing on a representative sample of the United States population. Our study leverages the dual anxieties of technology-driven job loss and nationalist sentiment, emphasizing the pursuit of 'American hegemony' through the adoption of new technologies. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey responses, we aim to shed light on how the transformative effects of technology intersect with global economic competition. By situating our findings within the broader context of global political economy, our research contributes to the literature on the political economy of automation, providing valuable insights into the ways in which individuals and societies grapple with the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by automation in an interconnected world.

Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of the intricate interplay between technology-driven transformation, economic nationalism, and concerns about inequality, offering valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of automation in the 21st century.

Author

• Jaewook Lee, University of Milan