Judy Wajcman

London School of Economics and Political Science

Papers

Total Citations

214

H-Index

About

Judy Wajcman is a leading sociologist whose work fundamentally reshapes how we understand the intersection of technology, work, and time. Her key research areas include the sociology of work, gender and technology, and the social shaping of technological change. Wajcman’s major contributions challenge the dominant narrative that automation is an unprecedented force for mass job displacement. In her highly influential 2017 review, "Automation: is it really different this time?" (208 citations), she critically examines the hype surrounding robotics and the future of work, arguing that historical patterns of technological change are more complex than current predictions suggest. She also explores the profound paradox of time-saving technologies, asking why they often leave us feeling busier and more stressed rather than liberated. Her work, including the chapter "‘Fitter, happier, more productive’," dissects the intricate relationship between technology and temporality, revealing how digital tools can simultaneously ease and intensify the pace of modern life. A Fellow of the British Academy, Wajcman’s research is essential reading for anyone seeking a nuanced, evidence-based perspective on how technology truly shapes our working lives and daily rhythms.