Building on the momentum of previous BSA Work and Employment study group initiatives, this high-level conference addresses the deepening fissures in the UK labor market. As digital transformations move from "new" to "normalized," the sociological community must ask: who is being left behind? This event brings together experts in the sociology of work, technology, and social stratification to analyze the current state of labor in 2026.
The program is structured to provide a comprehensive look at the intersection of technology and class. We will delve into "Platformized Care," examining how the gig economy has infiltrated the healthcare and domestic sectors, and the resulting gendered inequalities. Another major session will focus on "Automated Management," where researchers present findings on how AI-driven recruitment and monitoring are disproportionately affecting marginalized communities in the North of England.
Beyond the data, the conference serves as a platform for policy advocacy. A dedicated panel featuring representatives from UK trade unions and social justice NGOs will discuss how sociological research can be translated into legislative protections for workers. This event is vital for anyone interested in the future of work, the ethics of technology, and the persistence of social class in a digital-first economy. The University of Leeds provides a fitting backdrop, given its rich history in industrial sociology and its current standing as a hub for digital innovation research.
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