ARBEIT, the journal for labour research, work design and labour policy, is inviting submissions for a special issue focused on the future of industrial work in the context of evolving technological, economic, and social landscapes. This issue aims to revitalize the discussion on industrial work, which has diminished amidst the broader discourse on digitalization and other contemporary challenges.
Relevance of the Topic
The importance of industrial work in social science labor research has diminished as attention shifted to digitalization, skilled labor shortages, pandemic-related work consequences, and socio-ecological transformation. The once prominent focus on Industry 4.0 has waned, risking the neglect of significant transformation processes affecting industrial work, both in Germany and across Europe.
Key Objectives
This special issue seeks to:
- Summarize Current Research: Consolidate existing studies on the transformation of industrial work under various pressures such as decarbonization, resource scarcity, demographic shifts, and global economic changes.
- Development Perspectives: Discuss future scenarios for industrial work, ranging from continued de-industrialization to a potential revival of industrial production.
- Policy Approaches: Examine labor, industrial, and social policies that could support desirable developments in industrial work, including considerations for Industry 5.0 and Workplace Innovation.
- Industrial Relations: Explore the impacts of industrial work transformation on labor unions and industrial relations, especially concerning semi-skilled and skilled labor.
Desired Contributions
The journal seeks empirical, theoretical, and policy-oriented papers from social sciences, economics, and related disciplines. Contributions from labor policy experts and practitioners are also welcome. Both German and English submissions are accepted.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts: Submit a one- to two-page abstract by September 1, 2024.
- Feedback: Authors will receive feedback by October 31, 2024.
- Full Manuscripts: The deadline for full manuscripts (up to 45,000 characters) is February 15, 2025.
- Publication: Contributions are intended for issue 4/2025 of ARBEIT.
Please send abstracts to: frank.seiss@isf-muenchen.de. For more details, visit the official journal page or contact the editorial office.