ABSTRACT
Discussion of automation is often associated with scaremongering about the loss of jobs. This essay uses the example of the automation of laundry to demonstrate that the reality is more complex. Yes, automation does have the potential to change our society, but the question is really how and where will automation be used and who will benefit from it? Work is often exploitative and for some automation threatens to further weaken the power of working people. This essay makes an alternative case for automation, arguing that it should be viewed as a positive force in society that can weaken the link between work and pay and enhance the possibility of work being a positive and creative expression of our humanity.
