A Post-Labor Economics Manifesto

David Shapiro


Summary

The video discusses post-labor economics and the speaker's upcoming book 'Decoupling'. They emphasize decentralizing power, automating human labor, and adapting to a changing workforce landscape. Evolution of the social contract, economic agency, and policy recommendations are also explored, advocating for empowering individuals and reducing conglomerates' hegemonic power for a more equitable economic future.


Introduction and Book Overview

The speaker introduces the concept of post-labor economics and discusses their current work on a book with the working title 'Decoupling'. They mention conducting interviews for the book and share insights on decentralizing power and the importance of local economics.

Decentralization of Power

Key principles of decentralizing power are discussed, advocating for pushing decisions to the lowest effective level, transparency, socialization of private risk, and democratization of information and power.

Automation of Human Labor

The chapter explores the concept of automating human labor, emphasizing the inefficiency of humans compared to automation and the need to adapt to a changing workforce landscape.

Social Contract Evolution

The evolution of the social contract is discussed, highlighting the shift from embedded liberalism to neoliberalism, and the impact on labor, business, and government relationships over time.

Economic Agency and Principles

The importance of economic agency is emphasized, along with criteria for post-labor economics, including increasing GDP, aligning with elite interests, enacting radical change, and ensuring growth over time.

Policy Recommendations

Various policy recommendations are presented, such as increasing GDP by unlocking trapped value, empowering individuals, allowing for market corrections, and reducing conglomerates' hegemonic power.


FAQ

Q: What is the key principle discussed in the chapter regarding decentralizing power?

A: The key principle discussed in the chapter regarding decentralizing power is pushing decisions to the lowest effective level, promoting transparency, socializing private risk, and democratizing information and power.

Q: What concept is explored in relation to automation of human labor?

A: The chapter explores the concept of automating human labor, highlighting the inefficiency of humans compared to automation and the necessity to adapt to a changing workforce landscape.

Q: What is the evolution of the social contract discussed in the chapter?

A: The evolution of the social contract discussed in the chapter highlights the transition from embedded liberalism to neoliberalism and its impact on labor, business, and government relationships over time.

Q: What are the criteria mentioned for post-labor economics in the chapter?

A: The criteria mentioned for post-labor economics in the chapter include increasing GDP, aligning with elite interests, enacting radical change, and ensuring growth over time.

Q: What policy recommendations are presented in the chapter according to the text?

A: The policy recommendations presented in the chapter include increasing GDP by unlocking trapped value, empowering individuals, allowing for market corrections, and reducing conglomerates' hegemonic power.

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