Sociology Report: Brampton's Perception of Automation and Job Security

This report, prepared as a journalism piece for the Toronto Star, explores the perspectives of Brampton residents on the topic of automation. The author interviewed a student, a teacher, and an HR professional, asking them about their concerns and opinions regarding the impact of automation on jobs and the future workforce. The interviews reveal a range of views, from anxieties about job displacement to optimistic outlooks on new opportunities created by technological advancements. The report also references external sources, such as reports from McKinsey Global Institute and statements from experts like Anders Sandberg, to provide context and support the findings. The conclusion suggests that, while concerns are valid, a proactive approach to preparing for the future of work is crucial.

Running Head: SOCIOLOGY 1
Media and Current affairs
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation

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What Do Bramptonians Think About Automation
As a journalist for Toronto Star, this is a report on what real Bramptonians think about
automation. Here are some questions that were asked to the students and teachers to know what
real Bramptonians think about automation and fear of a robot invasion.
Name: Margaret Martinez
Age:23Job: Student
Are you worried about automation?
I think these are false alarms as the world has undergone technological progress and
innovations before. With every new technology, there are fears that tag along. However, we
should remember that the economy and society has consistently adjusted to advancing
technology. In fact, many new employment opportunities get created with new technologies. I
think that automation too will pave way for new jobs but those will require higher skills and will
pay more wages.
Name: Edward Moore
Age: 43
Job: Teacher
Do you think robots will take away your future jobs?
I am worried as we keep hearing so many stories about automation and the future
workforce being composed of mainly robots. The rapid pace of technology-driven markets
indeed makes me nervous. The Canadian government must work on the issue before it is too late
as there would be a significant number of youths who would not be skilled enough and may lose
their jobs in the automated industries. Once we enter the robotic world, there would be no
turning back and we should act before it is too late.
Name: Susan Gonzalez
Age: 36

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Job: HR
How do you think automation will affect human jobs?
As I work in the HR department, I am not too anxious by the threats of automation. In
fact, I see more opportunities coming with automation. The current media and reports may
present a dismal picture, but I personally belie that the scenario is not so bleak. The only
difference is that the current workforce and youth must prepare for the cognitive and
interpersonal skills required because of automation. In fact, there would an overall increase in
jobs in the coming decades, only they would require different skill sets.
Newspaper Article –
What Do Bramptonians Think About Automation
By Jennifer Martin
City Hall Bureau
Wed., April 10, 2019
According to Andrés Oppenheimer “Ever since a study by the University of Oxford
predicted that 47 percent of U.S. jobs are at risk of being replaced by robots and artificial
intelligence over the next fifteen to twenty years, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the
future of work” (Lepore, 2019). Bramptonians too are worried about Automation and robot
invasions. However, they carry mixed reviews and ideas on the subject. McKinsey Global
Institute reports that 45% of jobs would be automated and 60% of the work content of the current
30% of workers would be done by machines (Sawhney, 2018). Those reports sure send ripples of
worries across the masses and the current workforce.
While the youth are anxious about their future and the HR departments are positive that
the robots will bring new career opportunities with them. Anders Sandberg of Oxford’s Future of
Humanity Institute states “If your job can be easily explained, it can be automated, If it can’t, it

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won’t” (Lepore, 2019). Clearly, not all jobs can be automated, and there would be tasks that
would need humans. Bramptonians sure are worried but instead of worrying they should focus
on how to prepare better for the automation in future.

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References
Lepore, J. (2019). Are Robots Competing for Your Job?, newyorker Retrieved from
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/03/04/are-robots-competing-for-your-job
Sawhney, M. (2018). As Robots Threaten More Jobs, Human Skills Will Save Us, forbes
Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mohanbirsawhney/2018/03/10/as-robots-
threaten-more-jobs-human-skills-will-save-us/#26373ab63fce