Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.7, 2013

 

Social Status, Organizational Capability and the Distribution of Technological Dividends: With the Example of Modern Female Filature Workers

(Abstract)

 

Zhang Maoyuan

 

The application of modern steam filature technology promoted economic development and created technological dividends. What principle was adopted in the distribution of technological dividends among stake-holders? Historical materials reveal that the silk produced by workers in the Pearl River Delta had a poorer quality and a lower per unit output and value than that produced by workers in the Yangtze River Delta. However, workers in the Pearl River Delta earned a far higher unit wage than their counterparts in the Yangtze River Delta. Our study shows that the way technology is applied has a direct impact on the social status and organizational capability of workers, and thence on their capability of sharing technological dividends. Social status and organizational capability is a guarantee of stake holders in sharing technological dividends.