Modern society is undergoing a process of de-industrialization. This means that the most developed countries in the world are reducing their production capacities. Post-industrial countries receive income from the service sector. This group includes states in which material production has given way to the production of new knowledge as a source of development. These are post-industrial countries, the list of which includes most of the EU countries, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Israel and a number of others. This list is expanding every year.
Signs of post-industrial countries
The term was first used by the French sociologist Alain Touraine. The concept of “post-industrial countries” is closely related to the information society and the knowledge economy. All these concepts are often used not only in scientific research, but also in articles in the press. Their meaning looks rather blurry. However, all post-industrial countries are united by the following features:
- Their economy overcame the transition period and reoriented from the production of goods to the provision of services.
- Knowledge becomes a form of capital that has its value.
- Economic growth is achieved mainly through the production of new ideas.
- Due to the process of globalization and automation, the value and importance of blue-collar workers for the economy is decreasing, and the need for professional workers (scientists, programmers, designers) is growing.
- New branches of knowledge and technology are being created and implemented. For example, behavioral economics, information architecture, cybernetics, game theory.
Origin concept
For the first time, the term “post-industrial countries” was used by Touraine in his article. However, it was popularized by Daniel Bell. In 1974, his book “The Coming of the Post-Industrial Society” saw the light of day. The term was also widely used by the social philosopher Ivan Illich in the article "Tools of idleness." Sometimes he met in the "left" texts of the mid-1960s. The meaning of the term has expanded since its inception. Today it is widely used not only in scientific circles, but also in the media, as well as in everyday life.
The role of knowledge
The main feature of the post-industrial societies to which Canada, America (mainly Canada and the USA) belong is the emergence of a new type of capital. Knowledge becomes the main value, it has its own value. This was written by Daniel Bell. He believed that a new post-industrial type of society would lead to increased employment in the tertiary and quaternary sectors. They will bring the main income to countries. Traditional industries, by contrast, will cease to play a leading role. The basis of economic growth in post-industrial countries is new knowledge. Bell wrote that the prevalence of the tertiary and quaternary sectors will lead to a change in education. In the post-industrial society, the role of universities and research institutes is growing. The advent of ever new technologies and branches of knowledge leads to the fact that learning becomes a process that lasts a lifetime. The basis of the new society are young professionals who are actively involved in the political life of the country and care about the environment. Alain Banks and Jim Foster in their study hypothesized that this would lead to a reduction in poverty. Paul Romer also studied knowledge as a valuable asset. He believed that its increase will lead to increased economic growth.
Creativity as a fundamental feature
Post-industrial countries, including Canada, America, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, are starting to develop new industries. Therefore, a new impulse to creativity appears. Education is no longer just memorizing ready-made facts, but something more. It helps young people to express themselves. Successful are those who can create something new. In a post-industrial society, information becomes the main force, and technology - only a tool. Therefore, creativity comes to the fore during which new knowledge is created. In order to become successful in a post-industrial society, it is necessary to be able to process large volumes of information and draw conclusions based on them. As for the primary and secondary sectors of the economy, they are also being modernized in accordance with the requirements of the time. New technologies make agriculture and industry much more productive, which makes it possible to engage fewer people in these areas.
Criticism
Many researchers initially opposed the introduction of this term. They said that the new society should have a name. Previously, the basis was agriculture, then industry. This is how the terms “information society” and “knowledge economy” arose. Ivan Illich advocated the concept of "inaction." He believed that this term most clearly reflects processes in a post-industrial society. Also, many scientists have stated that industry is still the main industry, because knowledge only modernizes material production.
