The polarization of labor by digitalization : Focusing on the solutions to social inequality

Today, digitalization acts as a megatrend that grasps new characteristics of capitalism. Digital technology has a profound impact on production and labor markets, while causing inequality in new ways. Contrary to the post- capitalist theorist’s prediction that digitalization will contribute to the democratization of the economy, today’s digitalization is strengthening market power and labor control to a level that is difficult to defend against traditional labor movements or resistance from civil society. With the advent of digital capitalism, the limitations of traditional industrial democracy and industrial citizenship become clear, while the resistance to social inequality is divided and even in a confrontational conflict relationship in the new socio-ecological environment of market dominance. In this respect, the characteristics of digital capitalism require a new task for analyzing social inequality. Labor market polarization is not just a skill gap, but structural inequality arising from the opportunity gap. To solve this problem, not only digitalization of education, but also customized learning systems for all lives, field-oriented job training, and specialized programs for the socially underprivileged must be carried out in parallel. Although technology is advancing, if the benefits are concentrated on only a few, the sustainability of the whole society is threatened. In order for the 4th Industrial Revolution to become a true social innovation, ‘innovation for people’ must be achieved simultaneously along with technological innovation. This paper is Ⅱ. Korea trapped in global polarization and inequality, Ⅲ. The causes and solutions of labor market polarization, Ⅴ. labor market polarization and a four-day week, Ⅵ. As it comes out: The discussion will be conducted in the order of policy proposals.

Publication Details

Journal
National Public Law Review
Published
2025-08-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.46751/nplak.2025.21.3.167
Primary Topic
Digital Economy and Work Transformation
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

The polarization of labor by digitalization : Focusing on the solutions to social inequality

1 links
National Public Law Review
Digital Economy and Work Transformation
article

The polarization of labor by digitalization : Focusing on the solutions to social inequality

article en

Abstract

Today, digitalization acts as a megatrend that grasps new characteristics of capitalism. Digital technology has a profound impact on production and labor markets, while causing inequality in new ways. Contrary to the post- capitalist theorist’s prediction that digitalization will contribute to the democratization of the economy, today’s digitalization is strengthening market power and labor control to a level that is difficult to defend against traditional labor movements or resistance from civil society. With the advent of digital capitalism, the limitations of traditional industrial democracy and industrial citizenship become clear, while the resistance to social inequality is divided and even in a confrontational conflict relationship in the new socio-ecological environment of market dominance. In this respect, the characteristics of digital capitalism require a new task for analyzing social inequality. Labor market polarization is not just a skill gap, but structural inequality arising from the opportunity gap. To solve this problem, not only digitalization of education, but also customized learning systems for all lives, field-oriented job training, and specialized programs for the socially underprivileged must be carried out in parallel. Although technology is advancing, if the benefits are concentrated on only a few, the sustainability of the whole society is threatened. In order for the 4th Industrial Revolution to become a true social innovation, ‘innovation for people’ must be achieved simultaneously along with technological innovation. This paper is Ⅱ. Korea trapped in global polarization and inequality, Ⅲ. The causes and solutions of labor market polarization, Ⅴ. labor market polarization and a four-day week, Ⅵ. As it comes out: The discussion will be conducted in the order of policy proposals.

National Public Law ReviewVol. 21(3)
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
Digital Economy and Work Transformation
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.