SOCIAL FORMS AND AUTOMATION - THE SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM

The uses and material forms of productive techniques are studied in the light of the social conditions whereunder they develop and come into play. The pre-suppositions that conditioned several firms' choices of techniques are brought to light along with their origins. There is a contradiction between these pre-suppositions and the objectives fixed by the reorganization of work processes in the firms. On the basis of his participation in designing several automated installations, the author shows that, although a form of automation can be designed that enhances job skills, it cannot be generalized unless major obstacles are overcome.