Automation: An Illustration of Social Change.

Advanced automation is significantly affecting American society and the individual. To understand the extent of this impact, an understanding of the country's service economy is necessary. The United States made the transition from a goods- to service-based economy shortly after World War II. In 1982, services generated 67% of the Gross National Product. Automation has been a significant element of this society, contributing to major transformations in traditional industries, the creation of new industries, and changes in the workforce and the home. Projections on occupational opportunity to the year 2000 indicate that while automation and technology will effect the greatest changes at the higher levels of the work force, in jobs requiring college degrees, there will also be major increases in opportunities at the lower job skills level. As of yet, forecasts have overlooked impact on the middle mass of society, which may provide a better barometer of social change than either the "haves" or "have nots." Numerous issues remain to be addressed as society moves toward the next century, among them how to respond to: the declining need for workers, reduction of the work week, women as primary breadwinners, an aging population, single households, and membership in a global community. (LP)