Transitional Society in Modificatory Conditions and Challenges of Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

The object of this study is the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0.) on social life and modernization processes in Ukraine. The prognostic analysis of the Fourth industrial revolution consequences for modern Ukrainian society is the purpose of this research. The article deals with the obvious consequence of Industry 4.0 elements (such as the Internet providing, robotics, and digitization) implementation in both the countries of the center of the "World-system" as well as transition societies. It's the threat of mass increase in unemployment, the spread of spontaneous forms of population migration, incessant marginalization of social life and urbanistic environment threats deepening. It is proved in this research that it’s the richest and most intellectual part of society who gets benefits and is able to take full advantage of the latest technologies from the implementation of Industry 4.0 results. At the same time low-skilled workers will face the threat of job loss and permanent job searching process due to the implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution achievements. To our mind, massive increase in unemployment in Ukraine as well as other Central and Eastern European countries due to Industry 4.0 will turn into a serious source of social protests and instability, causing unprecedented challenges for the social life. It is stated in the research work that in a situation of economic backwardness, obsolescence of fixed industrial assets, merging of authorities with oligarchy, and the spread of corruption, the over-rapid implementation of Industry 4.0 elements in transition societies can lead to social disintegration processes increasing. Thus, the key criterion for the implementation of Industry 4.0 in transitional societies should be matching public needs with the interests of a particular citizen. We consider that the research of its impact on symbolic production and exchange, the way of everyday life, and the transformation of the urban environment in the Europe, in particular the countries of Central and Eastern European community, is particularly important. It’s necessary because the marginalization of a large part of the population, social pessimism and high migration expectations diminished critical thinking and developed of fascination with historical mysteries, myths or plots of TV programs, and etc.