The process of economic transformation. Permanent unemployment?

Abstract

Following the period of the first industrial revolution that was begun in the 19^th century from the second half of the 20^th century on, the second industrial revolution based on automation and the third based on computerisation have been launched in the developed countries. The process has resulted in a huge increase in productivity and the intensification of the employment problems. Developing countries have become more and more involved in the international division of labour in the framework of globalisation, thus further deepening the problems of unemployment in the developed world.

In the developed countries the demographic processes lead to a stagnation and decrease in the number of population, as well as to an increase in the average age. The economic and demographic problems of the developed countries endanger the sustainability of the achievements of the welfare society. The author makes a proposal for the transformation of the social systems and for the renewal of the social market economy. This includes a proposal for the equal distribution of jobs, as well as for providing social services as a counterpart of socially beneficial non-profit activities.