The Class of the New
Dr. Richard Barbrook

Netizens, elancers, cognitarians, swarm-capitalists, hackers, produsumers, knowledge workers, pro-ams... these are just a few of the monikers that have been applied to the new social class emerging from the networked workplace.

Richard Barbrook's talk will take as its starting point his 2006 book - 'The Class of the New' - which analyses those authors who in different ways attempted to identify an innovative element within society. Announcing a new economic and social paradigm, this class constitutes a 'social prophecy' of the shape of work to come. From Adam Smith's 'Philosophers' of the late 18th century, down to the 'Creative Class' celebrated by sociologist Richard Florida today, the class of the new represents the future of production within and beyond capitalism. Drawing upon his experience in London, Richard Barbrook will discuss whether this futurist prophecy advances - or hinders - our understanding of the role of the creative sector within 21st century Europe.