The lives of both the “pieds noirs,” as Kramer refers to Martins, and the Ilics in Sweden are challenging due to their displacement from their birth countries and their unfamiliarity with the new culture and language of their current home. This essay will explore the difficulties faced by the “pieds noirs” as they reintegrate into French culture, as well as the struggles of the Ilics as they attempt to fit into Swedish society. It will also examine how both groups have been able to overcome these obstacles and find a place in their new country.
The life of the “pieds noirs,” or French citizens of European descent who had lived in Algeria for generations, was drastically changed when the nation of Algeria declared independence and the French government ordered a mass exodus of French citizens from the country in 1962[1]. Those who left were suddenly uprooted from their homes and forced to start a new life in mainland France, where they were often met with animosity and discrimination due to their North African background.
The Pieds Noirs experienced a dramatic shift in their daily lives when they moved to France. In their native Algeria, the Pieds Noirs lived in a more rural agricultural society, and the Islamic faith heavily influenced their culture. In contrast, French society was more urban and secular and based on Enlightenment principles. This meant that the Pieds Noirs had to adapt to a completely different way of life. In Algeria, the Pieds Noirs were used to open communal spaces, but they had to learn to be more private and closed off in France. They had to learn the French language, dress in more formal clothing, and change their eating habits to accommodate French cuisine.
In addition, they had to learn the social etiquette of the French, such as how to greet people, behave in public, and interact with authority figures. The Pieds Noirs also had to adjust to the religious differences between Algeria and France. In Algeria, the Pieds Noirs were used to being a minority, and the Islamic faith was the dominant religion. However, in France, the Catholic Church was the official religion, and the Pieds Noirs had to learn to adjust to the religious norms of their new home. Finally, the Pieds Noirs had to learn to navigate the political landscape of France. In Algeria, they had been used to a more authoritarian government, while in France, they had to learn to navigate a democratic system and understand the different political parties and their agendas.
The Ilics were met with discrimination and prejudice from native Swedes, making it more difficult to establish themselves in their new home. The “pieds noirs” and the Ilics encountered several challenges in their respective new homes. [2]. Both groups faced discrimination and prejudice from native citizens, making it difficult to find employment and make friends. This made it difficult for them to find work, as employers were hesitant to hire them, and it also made it difficult for them to make friends and be accepted by their new community.
The Ilics, a family of Yugoslavian immigrants in Sweden, also experienced difficulty after moving to their new home. Many of the Ilics found that the Swedish language and culture were vastly different than the culture they had grown up with, making it difficult to find employment and fit in. The most immediate problem was the language barrier, as the Ilics had to learn to communicate in Swedish. This created a sense of isolation, as the Ilics could not communicate with their new neighbors and friends. In addition, the Ilics had to adjust to a new set of cultural norms and traditions that were unfamiliar to them. For example, in Sweden, people are expected to be punctual and dress formally for work, while in Yugoslavia, being fashionably late and dressing casually were common. The Ilics also needed help finding employment in Sweden. Since they had to learn a new language, they were at a disadvantage in terms of competing for jobs with native Swedes.
The Ilics also faced a number of challenges as they adjusted to Swedish culture. For example, many of them had to learn a new language, which could be difficult for those who had never been exposed to Swedish before. Additionally, the Ilics encountered discrimination and prejudice from native Swedes, making it more difficult to find employment and make friends. One of the most prominent differences was in communication styles. In Yugoslavia, people were more likely to be open and direct in their communication, whereas in Sweden, people were more likely to be indirect and non-confrontational. This could make it difficult for the Ilics to understand the nuances of Swedish communication, leading to misunderstandings. In addition, the Ilics had to adjust to different expectations of authority. In Yugoslavia, it was more common to defer to the authority of elders, while in Sweden, younger people were more likely to challenge authority.[3]. This could be difficult for the Ilics to adjust to, as they were used to a hierarchical power system. Furthermore, the Ilics had to contend with different cultural norms and traditions. For example, in Yugoslavia, people were more likely to be fashionably late and dress casually, while in Sweden, people were expected to be punctual and dress formally. This could be an obstacle for the Ilics when they were trying to fit in and make friends in their new home.
Both groups had to learn a new language and adjust to a different culture, which could be both intimidating and overwhelming. Furthermore, both groups had to deal with the trauma of leaving their home countries and feeling unwelcome in their new homes. For the “pieds noirs,” the challenges were particularly acute as they dealt with a new culture and language and the stigma of being of North African descent. This meant they were often seen as outsiders and were not accepted into mainstream French society.
Many “pieds noirs” had to leave behind their possessions and property in Algeria, which made it difficult to start over in France. The “pieds noirs” were forced to leave their homes, businesses, and belongings behind. In addition, many of them had to abandon their land, which had been in their families for generations. This loss was especially hard to bear, as it symbolized the end of their connection to Algeria. The “pieds noirs” also faced financial difficulties due to losing their property. Many had to start over with little to no money, making it difficult to find employment or housing. This exacerbated the sense of displacement and loss that the “pieds noirs” experienced. Moreover, the “pieds noirs” encountered language barriers in France, as many spoke only French-accented Arabic. Due to this, they needed help to communicate with their new neighbors and find work.
The Ilics faced several changes in religion after moving to their new home. In Yugoslavia, the family had been raised in the Eastern Orthodox faith, the dominant religion in the region. However, they were confronted with a much different religious landscape in Sweden. Sweden’s dominant religion was Lutheranism, the official state religion. This meant that the Ilics had to learn about and adjust to different beliefs and rituals. They had to learn about the Protestant Reformation, the importance of the Bible, and Lutheran liturgy and theology. In addition, they had to learn the many symbols and rituals associated with Lutheranism, such as baptism, confirmation, and communion. The Ilics also had to learn to navigate the different religious denominations within Lutheranism, such as the Swedish Church, the Mission Covenant Church, and the Pentecostal Church. Each denomination had its own beliefs, traditions, and rituals, and the Ilics had to learn how to navigate their differences.
The “pieds noirs” overcame their financial, language, and cultural difficulties in France by relying on their resilience, resourcefulness, and determination. Many of the “pieds noirs” began small businesses, such as bakeries, grocery stores, and restaurants, to address the financial difficulties. This allowed them to support themselves financially while giving them a sense of purpose and belonging in their new home. The “pieds noirs” also worked hard to learn the French language, as it was essential to be socially interactive with the people around them. Many attended classes or worked with tutors, while others read books and watched television to learn the language. Finally, the “pieds noirs” worked to adjust to the cultural differences in their new home. They learned the customs and traditions of France, such as how to dress and interact with people in public. The “pieds noirs” also worked to combat prejudice and discrimination by being open and friendly to their new neighbors. This allowed them to build relationships and show they were just as capable and worthy as their French counterparts.
Bibliography
Kramer, Jane. “Invandrare_Kramer.pdf,” 1981. https://archive.org/details/unsettlingeurope0000kram.
[1] Jane Kramer, “Invandrare_Kramer.pdf,” 1981, https://archive.org/details/unsettlingeurope0000kram.
[2] Jane Kramer, “Invandrare_Kramer.pdf,” 1981, https://archive.org/details/unsettlingeurope0000kram.
[3] Jane Kramer, “Invandrare_Kramer.pdf,” 1981, https://archive.org/details/unsettlingeurope0000kram.
The Impact Of COVID-19 On The Electrical Engineering Industry: Four Likely Permanent Effects Sample College Essay
The COVID-19 pandemic has hastened the transition to digitalization in electrical engineering. As a result of the pandemic, many businesses instituted telecommuting policies and started using online tools for communicating with employees. This transition has led to a rise in the need for electrical engineers specializing in digital technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning(Chang and Gomes). Many businesses have placed significant bets on 5G technology in response to the rising demand for secure and dependable communication networks. It is anticipated that the trend toward digitalization will persist long after the pandemic has ended as the world continues to rely on technology.
The interruption of international supply chains is another way the pandemic has impacted the electrical engineering sector. Many countries had to close their borders because of the pandemic, which caused supply delays and shortages. Many electrical engineering components are made in China and Taiwan, which means the industry relies heavily on international supply chains(Frieske and Stieler). Decreased productivity, higher costs, and postponed project delivery result from disrupting these supply chains. Many businesses have responded by establishing regional supply chains and forming partnerships with vendors in the same area. The current tendency toward using local resources and manufacturing is anticipated to last long after the epidemic has passed.
Even in the field of electrical engineering, the pandemic has highlighted the significance of resilience. The pandemic caused delays and increased costs by affecting project timelines, supply chains, and workforce availability. Businesses prepared for these changes had a distinct edge over their competitors. Companies are expected to invest in technologies that increase their resilience to disruptions due to the growing importance of resilience in the industry. Two examples are automation technologies, which allow for more efficient manufacturing and less reliance on human labor, or predictive analytics, which help foresee and manage disruptions before they happen.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Electrical Engineering Industry
In electrical engineering, the pandemic has hastened the uptake of cutting-edge innovations. Companies have had to embrace new digital technologies to keep operations operating smoothly as remote employment has become the standard. As a result, resources have been redirected to developing IoT, AI, and automation tools. Thus, professionals with these skill sets are anticipated to be in high demand in electrical engineering. The epidemic has also highlighted the need to invest in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and smart grid technologies, to facilitate remote work and improve energy efficiency. In sum, the electrical engineering field has felt the repercussions of the COVID-19 epidemic in both the immediate and long term. It is anticipated that the sector will recover. Still, to stay competitive, it must adapt to the new normal brought on by the epidemic and embrace new technology.
Four Likely Permanent Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Electrical Engineering Industry
- Remote Work Policies
Siemens is a good example of a corporation that has adopted rules allowing employees to work remotely. The business announced in July 2020 that it would allow its workers to work remotely for two or three days each week. The business said it had undertaken a poll in which it discovered that most of its workers favored a model that combined working from home with time spent in the office(Jha). Roland Busch, the firm’s CEO, noted that the epidemic had expedited the adoption of regulations for remote work, which he thinks will be a permanent shift in how work is done.
Despite this, electrical engineering has encountered several obstacles because of rules about remote work. One of the most significant difficulties is ensuring that workers have access to the tools and equipment needed to operate remotely. For instance, to carry out their duties, engineers may be required to use specialized software or gear that is not always easily accessible outside of the workplace. To guarantee that rules regarding remote work are successful, businesses must invest to ensure their workers have access to the appropriate tools and technology.
Keeping open lines of communication and fostering cooperation among team members is another problem brought up by regulations permitting remote work. When workers are dispersed over several locations, it may not be easy to guarantee everyone is on the same page and contributing to achieving the same objectives(Jha). It will be necessary for businesses to make investments in communication technologies and tactics to guarantee that their workers can successfully interact and keep a feeling of community and belonging in the workplace.
As a direct consequence of the pandemic, the field of electrical engineering has seen a substantial shift toward implementing remote work rules. Even though they come with many benefits, such as decreased overhead costs and increased productivity, they also come with several challenges, such as ensuring that employees have access to the necessary tools and equipment, maintaining communication, and working together among team members. Businesses must invest in methods and technologies to guarantee that their rules about remote work are successful and that their staff can work effectively and collaboratively from any place. This will need the companies to make such investments.
- Increased Demand for Automation and Robotics
The ability of automation and robotics to carry out jobs that are risky, time-consuming, or need a high degree of accuracy is among the most significant advantages offered by these fields. As a result of the epidemic, businesses have been forced to cut down on manual work and adhere to standards about social distancing (Coombs). This is becoming an increasingly important consideration. The advent of automation and robots has made it possible for businesses to go on with their operations without jeopardizing the welfare of their workforce. For instance, in the manufacturing business, robots may do operations like welding, painting, and assembling, which significantly lowers the need for human employees to be in close contact with one another. It is possible to lower the risk of infection for patients and healthcare staff by using robots in the healthcare business to conduct tasks such as disinfecting rooms, delivering medicine, and even performing procedures.
Productivity and efficiency can potentially increase thanks to automation and robots. Robots can work nonstop without pauses, rest, or sleep, enabling them to complete jobs at a pace that is far higher than that of humans. They also have a high degree of accuracy and precision, which lowers the possibility of making mistakes and increases the overall quality of their job. Automation and robots can reduce the time and resources needed to complete an activity, which may lead to cost savings for businesses.
Despite this, the rising need for automated systems and robots offers several issues for the sector. Ensuring that the technology is adequately integrated and used is one of the primary problems that must be overcome. Because of this, businesses need to invest in the education and professional development of their staff members to collaborate successfully with new technologies(Coombs). Also, businesses must ensure the technology is properly integrated into their systems and procedures, which may take time and effort. Also, businesses will need to examine the ethical and social consequences of automation and robots, such as the possible effect on employment and the displacement of employees. This is one example of an ethical and social implication.
As a result of the epidemic, there has been an upsurge in demand for automated systems and robots within the field of electrical engineering. The implementation and integration of these technologies, as well as the training and upskilling of employees, as well as ethical and social considerations, are all challenges that must be overcome to fully realize the numerous benefits these technologies offer, such as increased productivity, efficiency, and safety. Businesses that make significant investments in automation and robots and successfully handle these difficulties are likely to be better prepared to maintain the continuity of their businesses and achieve greater levels of success in the future.
- Digitalization of Operations
The use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is essential to digitalizing processes in electrical engineering. IoT devices allow businesses to monitor and operate their equipment remotely, eliminating the need for on-site visits and significantly lowering the likelihood of infection. Devices connected to the internet of things also provide important data, which businesses can utilize to enhance their operations and save expenses(Ashima et al.). For instance, data collected from Internet of Things devices may be analyzed to determine which aspects of a process need to be improved, which maintenance schedules can be optimized, and which equipment failures can be anticipated before they occur.
The use of technology that creates digital twins is another domain in which digitalization has had a big influence. A digital twin is a virtual clone of a physical asset or system, enabling businesses to mimic and evaluate the performance of assets in a virtual environment. A digital twin may be created from any asset or system replicated in a virtual environment. The technology of the digital twin helps businesses improve their assets’ performance, lower their maintenance costs, and cut their downtime. For instance, digital twin technology may be used in the manufacturing industry to replicate and improve the effectiveness of production processes, therefore cutting down on waste and maximizing productivity.
The digitization of operations also gives new chances for businesses to provide value-added services to their clientele, which may be a significant competitive advantage(Ashima et al.). For instance, businesses may give predictive maintenance services to their clients by using data from the Internet of Things devices. This enables consumers to save downtime and enhance asset dependability. In addition, businesses may utilize data analytics to tailor solutions to meet the requirements and preferences of individual clients via the provision of personalized services.
In essence, the pandemic has sped up the process of digitalizing activities in electrical engineering. Devices connected to the internet of things (IoT), digital twin technologies, and data analytics have allowed businesses to enhance their operations, lower their expenses, and provide consumers with new services that add value to their purchases. The digitization of operations does, however, bring several obstacles, including the need for qualified staff and concerns associated with cybersecurity. To guarantee the efficient and risk-free use of digital technology in the future, businesses will have to make substantial investments in training their workforce and implementing stringent cybersecurity precautions.
- Emphasis on Cybersecurity
Schneider Electric is a good example of a corporation that has significantly emphasized cybersecurity during the epidemic. The organization has introduced a variety of different cybersecurity solutions to assist its clients in the management of cyber risks(VENDRAMIN). These solutions include cloud-based cybersecurity solutions, which contribute to protecting data and systems from various types of cyber threats. In addition, the business has created a variety of cybersecurity services, including vulnerability assessments, security audits, and penetration testing, to assist its clients in recognizing and mitigating the risks associated with cybersecurity.
Another illustration of this can be seen with the company ABB, which has introduced various cybersecurity solutions to defend vital infrastructure and industrial control systems from cyberattacks(Makrakis et al.). To assist its clients in recognizing and mitigating potential cybersecurity threats, the firm has created a variety of cybersecurity services. These services include cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability management. Also, the firm has invested in the research and development of cybersecurity, where it has created new technologies and solutions to protect its clients from various cyber threats.
But cybersecurity is an issue for organizations of all sizes, not just big ones. Also vulnerable to cyberattacks are small and medium-sized businesses, generally known as SMEs. Hackers often target SMEs because they perceive these businesses as easy targets(Plachkinova and Knapp). As a direct consequence, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are expected to prioritize cybersecurity, making investments in additional, more robust security measures and providing workers with training on the most effective cybersecurity best practices.
The pandemic has brought to light the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures to secure sensitive data and guarantee corporate operations’ continuation. It is expected that businesses will pay a greater focus on cybersecurity, investing in additional, more powerful security measures and providing personnel with training on the best practices for cybersecurity(Georgiadou et al.). The fact that significant firms like Schneider Electric and ABB are investing in cybersecurity solutions and services demonstrate that these companies are taking cybersecurity seriously and are concerned about the safety of their consumers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the electrical engineering industry, with significant changes expected to shape the industry’s future. The pandemic’s four most likely permanent effects on the industry are remote work policies, increased demand for automation and robotics, digitalization of operations, and emphasis on cybersecurity. Companies adapting to these changes will likely thrive in the post-pandemic era.
Work Cited
Ashima, Reem, et al. “Automation and Manufacturing of Smart Materials in Additive Manufacturing Technologies Using Internet of Things towards the Adoption of Industry 4.0.” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 45, 2021, pp. 5081–88.
Chang, Shanton, and Catherine Gomes. “Why the Digitalization of International Education Matters.” Journal of Studies in International Education, vol. 26, no. 2, SAGE Publications Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA, 2022, pp. 119–27.
Coombs, Crispin. “Will COVID-19 Be the Tipping Point for the Intelligent Automation of Work? A Review of the Debate and Implications for Research.” International Journal of Information Management, vol. 55, 2020, p. 102182.
Frieske, Benjamin, and Sylvia Stieler. “The ‘Semiconductor Crisis’ as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Impacts on the Automotive Industry and Its Supply Chains.” World Electric Vehicle Journal, vol. 13, no. 10, 2022, p. 189.
Georgiadou, Anna, et al. “Working from Home during COVID-19 Crisis: A Cyber Security Culture Assessment Survey.” Security Journal, vol. 35, no. 2, 2022, pp. 486–505.
Jha, Srirang Kumar. “Imperatives for Open Innovation in Times of COVID-19.” International Journal of Innovation Science, vol. 14, no. 2, 2022, pp. 339–50.
Makrakis, Georgios Michail, et al. “Vulnerabilities and Attacks Against Industrial Control Systems and Critical Infrastructures.” ArXiv Preprint ArXiv:2109.03945, 2021.
Plachkinova, Miloslava, and Kenneth Knapp. “Least Privilege across People, Process, and Technology: Endpoint Security Framework.” Journal of Computer Information Systems, 2022, pp. 1–13.
VENDRAMIN, LUCA. The Evolution from Products towards Digital Platforms: The Schneider Electric Case.
The Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Surveillance Dynamics In Western Societies Essay Sample For College
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed how we live our lives. With social distancing measures and lockdowns becoming commonplace in Western societies, governments and other organizations have had to adopt new surveillance measures to monitor compliance and contain the spread of the virus. The pandemic has altered the surveillance dynamics in Western societies by accelerating existing technologies, such as facial recognition and contact tracing apps, and introducing new ones, such as remote temperature monitoring and drones. While these measures have effectively slowed the spread of the virus, they have also raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. In this essay, we will examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surveillance dynamics in Western societies and explore the implications of these changes for individuals, organizations, and society.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted surveillance dynamics in Western societies. Governments and other organizations have introduced new measures to monitor compliance with social distancing measures, track the spread of the virus, and enforce quarantine rules. At the same time, existing surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition and contact tracing apps, have been accelerated and deployed on a large scale(Howe et al., 2021). While these measures have effectively slowed the spread of the virus, they have also raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. One of the most visible changes in surveillance dynamics in Western societies during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the deployment of contact tracing apps. These apps use Bluetooth technology to detect when two smartphones are in close proximity to each other for a certain amount of time. If one of the users later tests positive for COVID-19, the app will notify the other user and advise them to self-isolate. Contact tracing apps have been widely adopted in countries such as Singapore, Australia, and Germany and have been credited with helping to contain the spread of the virus (Howe et al., 2021). So as learned in class COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the surveillance dynamics in Western societies. The pandemic has increased the use of digital surveillance technologies, such as contact tracing apps and facial recognition systems. These changes have implications for individuals, organizations, and society. For instance, it has led to the Neolithic Demographic Transition that marked the first significant growth spurt of the human population and, at the same time, brought the Classical Demographic Transition that is characterized by a return to a Malthusian equilibrium at a higher level of population, followed by the modern rise of the population (population explosion) and a new equilibrium. Therefore the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted this equilibrium by causing a decrease in population growth rates in Western societies due to a decrease in birth rates, an increase in death rates, and migration disruptions. However, there have been concerns about the privacy implications of these apps, particularly concerning the collection and use of personal data. Critics have argued that contact tracing apps could set a dangerous precedent for the normalization of mass surveillance and the erosion of individual privacy rights.
Another area in which the COVID-19 pandemic has altered surveillance dynamics is facial recognition technology. In some countries, such as China, facial recognition technology has been used to monitor compliance with quarantine rules, with cameras placed outside people’s homes to detect when they leave. In the UK, facial recognition technology has been deployed at railway stations to detect people not wearing masks, with offenders being fined. While the use of facial recognition technology has been justified on the grounds of public health and safety, there are concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the technology, as well as its potential for misuse (Dwivedi et al., 2020). For instance, using digital surveillance technologies to monitor the spread of COVID-19 has also raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. This has implications for democracy and human rights, particularly in societies grappling with surveillance and authoritarianism issues. This depicts how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the population dynamics in Western societies, eventually impacting individuals, organizations, and society.
Another significant impact on surveillance dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the adoption of remote temperature monitoring. This technology allows organizations to monitor the body temperature of employees and visitors using thermal cameras without the need for physical contact. Remote temperature monitoring has been widely adopted in workplaces, schools, and public places such as airports and train stations. While this technology can help to identify individuals with a high temperature who may be symptomatic with COVID-19, there are concerns about the potential for false positives and the invasion of privacy (Costanzo & Flores, 2020). Integrating it with further studies shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our daily lives and our privacy and surveillance dynamics in Western societies. The pandemic has led to the adoption new technologies and measures to prevent the spread of the virus, which have raised significant concerns over collecting and using personal data. For example, it has led to one of the most significant changes in surveillance dynamics, the widespread use of contact tracing apps. Governments and health organizations after developing and implementing these apps to track the movement of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, the contact tracing apps have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the virus while raising concerns over data privacy and security (Costanzo & Flores, 2020). Many worry that their data may be used for other purposes or shared with third-party entities without their consent.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the deployment of drones for surveillance purposes. In some countries, drones have been used to monitor compliance with social distancing measures, such as in Spain, where drones were used to enforce lockdown rules. Drones have also been used to disinfect public areas and deliver medical supplies. While drones can effectively reduce the spread of the virus, there are concerns about the potential for abuse, including the invasion of privacy and the potential for misuse by law enforcement (Mbunge et al., 2021). Connecting this to what was taught in class, one can see that the impact caused a significant change in surveillance dynamics that has increased the use of facial recognition technology. Governments and law enforcement agencies have used this technology to monitor individuals’ movements and enforce quarantine and social distancing measures. However, facial recognition technology has been criticized for its potential misuse, particularly regarding racial profiling and bias (Mbunge et al., 2021). There are concerns that facial recognition technology could be used to track individuals’ movements beyond the pandemic, which could lead to further erosion of privacy rights.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the surveillance dynamics in Western societies by increasing contact tracing and tracking technologies. Governments and health authorities have implemented various forms of contact tracing, including manual and digital contact tracing, to monitor the spread of the virus and contain outbreaks. Digital contact tracking technologies, such as smartphone apps, have been developed and implemented in many countries to alert individuals who may have been near someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (Urbaczewski & Lee, 2020). While these technologies have been effective in identifying potential outbreaks and limiting the spread of the virus, they have also raised concerns about privacy and surveillance. As taught in class, one connection between the pandemic and demographic transitions is that it has caused privacy and civil liberties and impacted the importance of demographic entrapment, where individuals’ demographic characteristics limit their ability to move to areas with better opportunities. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic significant impact on the surveillance dynamics in Western societies has led to a slowdown in population growth, moving towards a Malthusian equilibrium at a higher level of population, similar to the Neolithic and Classical Demographic Transitions (Urbaczewski & Lee, 2020). Indeed the pandemic has led to a reduction in birth rates in many countries as people delay having children due to the economic uncertainty and the fear of illness, leading to a reduction in population growth.
Another impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surveillance dynamics in Western societies has been the increased use of surveillance technologies in the workplace. With many employees working remotely, organizations have turned to surveillance technologies to monitor productivity and ensure that employees work the hours they are contracted to work. These technologies include employee monitoring software, which can track keystrokes and monitor employees’ activity on company computers, and video conferencing software, which can monitor employees during virtual meetings (Allam & Jones, 2020). While these technologies may increase productivity and help organizations ensure that their employees are working effectively, they raise concerns about privacy and surveillance, mainly when employees work from home. Connecting this to what was taught in class, one can see its connection with population transitions. The newly implemented technologies and monitoring systems that track and trace infected individuals even when working at home have revealed the vulnerability of society’s carrying capacity and the importance of sustainability. For instance, employers tend to know their employees’ private life, which might lead others to disrespect them because of their social class or what they see from their home (Allam & Jones, 2020). Therefore, the increase in surveillance can lead to further resource depletion, highlighting the need for moderation in consumption and a sustainable approach to development, similar to the Earth’s carrying capacity concept.
Finally, the implications of this change in population dynamics for individuals, organizations, and society are significant. For example, as birth rates continue to decline, fewer young people will enter the workforce, leading to a shortage of workers and potentially lower economic growth. According to what is taught in class regarding the final impacts of the implications of this change on the population, Organizations may also face challenges in recruiting new talent and may need to adapt to changing demographic trends to remain competitive. Additionally, the increase in death rates due to COVID-19 has led to a significant loss of life, and the pandemic has exposed disparities in access to healthcare and resources, which has implications for social justice and equity (Howe et al., 2021). For instance, the implications of the changes for individuals caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surveillance dynamics in Western societies, organizations, and society as whole show similarities with the Neolithic and Classical Demographic Transitions. The pandemic has caused a slowdown in population growth because the pandemic has reduced birth rates in many countries as people delay having children due to the fear of illness and economic uncertainty.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in the surveillance dynamics of Western societies. The pandemic has accelerated the use of existing technologies and introduced new ones to monitor compliance and contain the spread of the virus. While these measures have effectively slowed the spread of the virus, they have also raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. The deployment of contact tracing apps, facial recognition technology, and remote temperature monitoring has been widespread. However, adopting these technologies has also raised significant concerns over collecting and using personal data. The pandemic has disrupted the population dynamics in Western societies, eventually impacting individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Governments and organizations must find a balance between protecting public health and ensuring individual privacy and civil liberties. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in digital surveillance technologies. It has also highlighted the importance of developing ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to safeguard the privacy and rights of individuals in the face of technological advancements.
References
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Chakraborty, I., & Maity, P. (2020). COVID-19 outbreak: Migration, effects on society, global environment and prevention. Science of the total environment, 728, 138882.
Costanzo, S., & Flores, A. (2020). A non-contact integrated body-ambient temperature sensors platform to contrast COVID-19. Electronics, 9(10), 1658.
Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, D. L., Coombs, C., Constantiou, I., Duan, Y., Edwards, J. S., … & Upadhyay, N. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on information management research and practice: Transforming education, work and life. International journal of information management, 55, 102211.
Howe, D. C., Chauhan, R. S., Soderberg, A. T., & Buckley, M. R. (2021). Paradigm shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizational dynamics, 50(4), 100804.
Mbunge, E., Chitungo, I., & Dzinamarira, T. (2021). Unbundling the Significance of Cognitive Robots and Drones deployed to tackle COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid review to unpack emerging opportunities to improve healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. Cognitive Robotics, 1, 205-213.
Urbaczewski, A., & Lee, Y. J. (2020). Information technology and the pandemic: A preliminary multinational analysis of the impact of mobile tracking technology on the COVID-19 contagion control. European Journal of Information Systems, 29(4), 405-414.