Equality, Inequality and Industry 4.0: Proposing a Theoretical Framework

This research seeks to investigate the relationship between equality, inequality and the 4th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) while exploring the dimensions that influence both the promotion of equality and the perpetuation of inequality in this context. The methodology adopted for this work was based on a structured literature review using, as the source, articles selected in Google Scholar in the period from 2017 to 2023. This article proposes a theoretical framework presenting six dimensions: Technological, Economic, Social, Environmental, Political and Global and Social Transformation. In addition, 11 sub-dimensions were presented, distributed in these categories of analysis. The theoretical contributions of this study include the systematization and integration of the various dimensions tangential to equality/inequality in the era of the Industry 4.0. The proposed framework offers a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding these complex relationships and can equally serve as a basis for future research. Suggestions for future studies include empirical research that can apply the framework in specific contexts, evaluating both the effectiveness of policies and proposed strategies to promote equality and address inequality.