Marx and the Robots

This collection of essays in Marx and the Robots offers a balanced, materialist perspective on automation and its implications for work and society.

In Marx and the Robots, a diverse collection of essays challenges the prevailing narratives surrounding automation and technology in the context of Marxist theory. The contributors, ranging from seasoned scholars to emerging voices, offer a balanced and materialist perspective that counters the often sensationalized views of both techno-pessimism and utopian visions of automated luxury communism. This book serves as a much-needed antidote to the overheated discourse prevalent in contemporary discussions about the future of work and technology.

The essays delve into various aspects of digitalization that are reshaping our lives and workplaces. Topics include the digital transformation of agriculture, the integration of robotics in manufacturing, and the dynamics of crowdworking platforms. By examining these themes, Marx and the Robots questions the validity of 20th-century Marxist predictions regarding the 'workerless factory' and critiques the concept of 'Platform Capitalism'. The contributors provide insightful analyses that highlight both the challenges and opportunities presented by these technological advancements.

With its rich blend of empirical evidence, theoretical insights, and historical context, this book is essential for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of how automation is influencing the capitalist framework. Marx and the Robots is not just an academic resource; it is a crucial text for activists, students, and anyone interested in the intersections of technology, labor, and society.