JULIUS NYERERE’S SOCIAL THOUGHT ON HUMAN WORK IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES

ABSTRACT: This article examines the relevance of Julius Nyerere‟s social thought in protecting work as aneconomic human right in the age of automation technology. The application of automation technologies invarious sectors such as industry, agriculture, health and construction has increasingly replaced human work andthus making workers redundant and jobless resulting in the creation and widening of socio-economicinequalities. Nyereres‟ social thought advocates for the centrality of the human person in all sectors. Nyerereargued that authentic development means people (maendeleo bora niwatu) and work is the measure of dignity(Kazinikipimo cha utu).1 Nyerere‟s social thought is based on the principles of human dignity and equality, thecommon good, preferential option for the marginalized, and democratic participation of each and everyone insocio-economic and political issues. In defence of these social principles, Nyerere proposed and argued for awork ethic that interprets work as the measure of human dignity, respect and self-reliance.

KEYWORDS – automation, technology, ujamaa, social thought, and traditional technology