Purdue community invited to virtual talk ‘Battling the Behemoth: Amazon and the New American Working Class’

The Purdue community is invited to a virtual talk that will examine how the rise of Amazon has restructured dynamics in the American economy.

Hosted by the Tech Justice Lab, a cross-college collaboration housed in the Belonging, Equity and Inclusion unit of Purdue’s John Martinson Honors College (JMHC), the talk features Charmaine Chua, a Singaporean organizer and writer as well as assistant professor of Global Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The event, titled “Battling the Behemoth: Amazon and the New American Working Class,” takes place from 4-5 p.m. ET Wednesday, April 3. The meeting link will be shared with those who register for the event.

Chua's talk will uncover the underlying labor conditions and economic restructuring associated with Amazon's operations, and sheds light on the geographic and socioeconomic shifts brought about by the company's rapid expansion.

Pictured: Close-up shot of Charmaine Chua, assistant professor of Global Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara

Lindsay Weinberg, clinical assistant professor and director of the JMHC’s Tech Justice Lab, says Chua’s extensive research and hands-on organizing experience made her a compelling choice for the discussion. Weinberg highlighted Chua’s dedication to understanding the intricate relationship between technology and the humanistic social sciences, emphasizing her unique perspective on the intersection of capitalism and technological advancement.

“I appreciate that she’s bringing in a critical perspective that looks at how our overall global economic structure takes shape, and what technological practices tend to be privileged, as well as who benefits and who is harmed,” Weinberg shared. “Her work speaks to a lot of different types of experiences and different priorities people might have. Ultimately, her talk is a chance for people to think more broadly about technology and the workers who may or may not be in our immediate community but are nonetheless tangled up in our practices.”

The upcoming event, which is also open to the Greater Lafayette community, reflects the Tech Justice Lab's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and critical engagement with technology. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the complexities of Amazon's operations and explore avenues for promoting more equitable practices within the digital realm.

In addition to Chua's talk, the Tech Justice Lab regularly hosts events such as Tech Justice Tuesdays, providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage with pressing issues in technology and society. Weinberg also emphasizes the lab's role in supporting undergraduate research and promoting a more inclusive approach to tech education.

“The Tech Justice Lab is dedicated to empowering students through a multifaceted approach,” Weinberg shared. “Beyond hosting impactful speakers and events, our primary focus lies in cultivating undergraduate research opportunities that delve into the social and ethical implications of technology. Through partnerships with faculty across disciplines, students engage in cutting-edge research projects. Our affiliated courses provide a classroom environment conducive to critical tech education, which contribute to a wealth of opportunities for holistic student development.”

Learn more about the JMHC’s Tech Justice Lab.

Andrea Mattingly

Communication Director for Teaching and Learning, thomas78@purdue.edu