Mervyn Horgan
Papers
1
Total Citations
493
H-Index
1
About
Mervyn Horgan is a leading sociologist whose research explores the intersections of digital technology, labour, and rural life. His most-cited work, “Automated pastures and the digital divide” (2019, 493 citations), critically examines how the “digital revolution” in agriculture—driven by sensors, AI, and robotics—is reshaping labour practices and rural communities. Horgan argues that while these technologies promise efficiency and sustainability, they also risk deepening inequalities by privileging large-scale operations over smallholders and exacerbating the digital divide. Beyond this flagship study, his broader contributions include investigating the social impacts of automation, the changing nature of agricultural work, and the uneven distribution of technological benefits. With nearly 500 citations on a single paper alone, Horgan’s work has become essential reading for scholars in rural sociology, science and technology studies, and critical agrarian studies. His research not only highlights the promises of agricultural innovation but also sounds a crucial cautionary note about its potential to marginalize vulnerable populations. For students and researchers, Horgan offers a vital perspective on how technology is not neutral but deeply embedded in social and economic power structures.
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Top Papers
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