Technological Disruption and Equality: Future Challenges for Social Democracy

Abstract

This chapter argues that technological disruption will pose major challenges for social democratic parties’ attempts to reduce economic inequality. In particular, a capitalist economy is likely to utilise technology to maximise profit rather than to meet social need. Technological disruption is also likely to impact on other forms of inequality, including gender and racial inequality. Yet, Australian Labor, like other social democratic parties internationally, has tended to underestimate the challenges involved. Indeed, traditionally Australian Labor over-emphasised the positive benefits of technology while underestimating the downsides, including the potential impacts on employment. The intersections between technology and globalisation, particularly in the context of a changing geo-economics and relative decline of the West, are likely to compound those challenges and have broader implications for social democracy in the West. Developments in biotechnology may also pose future challenges for issues of equality.