Divisions in Labor-Technological Inequalities

The three categories that Robert Reich describes in Mark Warschauer’s “Technology and Social Inclusion: Rethinking the Digital Divide” are routine production workers, in person service workers, and symbolic analysists.

The technological integration is the monumental difference between these three categories and the traditional “white-collar, blue-collar” categories of the past. No matter what the task at hand, ultimate success relies on either the internet or some form of advanced technology. For example a janitor (categorized as an in person service worker) likely needs the internet to order products for their respective property or establishment. Similarly, a software engineer (classified as a symbolic analyst) will also need the internet to perform their daily tasks such as communicating with other coworkers. In the past, technology is what set the two divisions apart but it is now what bridges the categories together.

In regards to digital divides and inequalities, I think Jori brought up an effective point by relating it to the 4c’s (Content, Capability, Connectivity, and Context). Focusing on capability and using the same example as before, a janitor is likely to learn the technology necessary to order products online but is unlikely to expand his or her knowledge of other internet technologies simply because they don’t have to. A software engineer on the other hand will not only learn what is necessary to complete their job but will also utilize their knowledge in other online activities outside of the office. Although dependence on technology is what brings these categories together, the way in which it is used and applied ultimately sets them apart, further widening the digital divide.

Furthermore, Lisa brought up the different educational requirements that are necessary to become some sort of symbolic analyst versus being in the one of the other categories. To be considered symbolic analysts, a certain skill level must be achieved. The others require little to no prior training. This certainly contributes to racial ravines because white middle class Americans are much more likely to have specific opportunities for skill development while inner city ethnic minorities are not.

These opportunities to learn about technology and develop the skills ncecessary for real life applications creates the continuous cycle of technological inequalities across racial lines that we deal with today.