Michael Gastrow
Papers
1
Total Citations
5
H-Index
1
About
Michael Gastrow is a leading voice in the study of technological change and its societal implications, with a particular focus on the Global South. His research centers on the intersection of innovation, employment, and social attitudes, critically examining how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping developing economies. Gastrow’s most cited work, “Promise or precarity? South African attitudes towards the automation revolution” (2021), provides a groundbreaking empirical analysis of public perceptions in South Africa, revealing a deep ambivalence toward automation that balances hopes for efficiency gains with acute fears of job displacement and rising inequality. This study, with 5 citations, has become a foundational reference for scholars and policymakers navigating the socio-economic risks of rapid technological adoption in contexts of high unemployment. Beyond this, Gastrow’s broader contributions include mapping the political economy of innovation and exploring how digital transitions can either exacerbate or mitigate social exclusion. His work is distinguished by its grounded, people-centered approach, challenging techno-optimistic narratives and insisting on the centrality of lived experience. For students and researchers, Gastrow offers a vital, critical lens on the future of work and the uneven promises of progress.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1