Structuring the Information Age: Life Insurance and Technology in the Twentieth Century

sites, heightening the need for writing and speaking skills beyond the capabilities of spelling and grammar checks but involving emotional manipulation and communication strategies related to particular organizations or organizational cultures. The New Division of Labor is an interesting and thought-provoking book for anyone interested in workplace communication and culture as well as for those concerned about education. At 174 pages, with an educated but not academic style, it is not a heavy read. I found myself wanting more development of some themes that are discussed only briefly, for instance, the link between globalization and computerization, seen in the “offshoring” of white-collar jobs and international call centers. As a non-U.S. reader, I would also be interested in the global implications of technology: What will happen when the changes occurring in the U.S. job market fully affect those countries where the rich-poor divisions are already severe? Topics for potential research questions based on Levy and Murnane’s research range from social change to education to individual competence. The concepts of expert thinking and complex communication, to which The New Division of Labor provides an introduction but not a full examination, leave much to be explored. In particular, research might refine and elucidate these constructs. How are habits of expert thinking formed? How is complex communication enacted, and what puts it beyond the reach of a machine? How does computerization change the purpose of education, including what we teach? This revolution will change the way human abilities are assessed and valued. Old constructs, such as the century-old IQ construct currently so central to education and human resources, will need to be reformulated to focus on uniquely human abilities rather than those involving calculation and linguistic manipulation. In summary, I recommend The New Division of Labor to anyone concerned about the interaction of technology and communication as well as about communication education. Whether you see hope or dread in our computerized future, you will find something of interest in this book.