8. ERGONOMICS IN INDUSTRIALLY DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (IDCs): SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

This chapter asserts that, notwithstanding the forces of globalization, the gap between Industrially Advanced Country (IAC) “haves” and Industrially Developing Country (IDC) “have nots” is increasing. Poverty, deprivation, over-population, illiteracy, and sub-optimal working conditions attend this scenario. This widening chasm, among other things, feeds discontent which, justified or not, exacerbates tensions. To the extent that this view is valid, the challenge for ergonomics is to contribute to a narrowing of the gap by recognizing that the vast majority of the biomass of humanity is engaged in basic IDC, not advanced technical IAC issues. Their needs are best met by culture-compatible, participatory, small-scale, unsophisticated, low-cost improvements that can be easily assimilated. Strategies for assisting in redressing the imbalance between IDCs and IACs are discussed.

Citation

Scott, P.A. and Charteris, J. (2004), "8. ERGONOMICS IN INDUSTRIALLY DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (IDCs): SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES", Kaplan, M. (Ed.) Cultural Ergonomics (Advances in Human Performance and Cognitive Engineering Research, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 223-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3601(03)04008-6