CST 373 Week 6 Scrapbook
There are 170,000 fewer retail jobs in 2017—and 75,000 more Amazon robots
Link: https://qz.com/1107112/there-are-170000-fewer-retail-jobs-in-2017-and-75000-more-amazon-robots/
Article Summary
The article discusses how there may be a correlation between Amazon's success in automation and decline in retail jobs. The article gives an estimate that Amazon's workforce will increase in size by 75,000 units in 2017. In the same year it is estimated that Amazon will add 146,000 employees to its workforce but the overall workforce in the retail industry will still decrease by 24,000. It is argued that Amazon's growth is and reliance on robotics is a contributing factor to the loss of retail jobs. The article then goes on to say that although Amazon only represents 3% of overall US retail sales it is accounting for 20% of the US retail industry growth in 2017. It is interesting to see that one company can account for 1/5 of the growth in an industry.
Why it was Chosen
I chose this article because, I think that automation effects us as an economy for better or worse and it is necessary to keep a keen eye on how it is shaping the economy. This is precisely the reason why I have decided to get a second degree in Computer Science. I feel that technology will be at the forefront of US industry for the decades ahead and if you are not a part of that industry you may be left behind struggling for a job.
Ethical Implications
The ethical implication is that the increase in automation that all industries are seeing may have a negative impact on the unemployment ratio in America. The statistics here show that although a causation can not be proven, there is a correlation in increase in automation and job loss in the retail industry. I feel that this extends to all industries. With a higher unemployment rate comes a higher poverty rate. I feel that this is something that will have to be watched with a keen eye amongst our business and political leaders in America. Employers will have to look at filling the void of job loss as a result of technological innovation. If not we may face a growing poverty level from people who may be forced out of jobs.
Credibility of the Source
Quartz is a digital news outlet that has been around since 2012. The company is based in New York but has staffed reporters throughout the world. The company strives to embrace technology as it's way to inform the public. Quartz is owned by Atlantic Media Inc., the publisher of The Atlantic.
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