Rapid change in technological achievement may lead to lack of adaptation of social and economic systems and encourage economic imperialism and the widening of technological, social, and cultural gaps.
In the past, when new technologies dramatically increased productivity -- for example in the 1920s when oil, electricity and the assembly line replaced coal and steam-powered plants -- workers sought after a share of the productivity gains and organized collectively to demand a shorter work week and better pay and benefits. Today, however, instead of shortening the working week, employers are shortening the workforce, effectively preventing millions of workers from enjoying the benefits of the new technology revolution.