Judith Bessant
Papers
2
Total Citations
15
H-Index
2
About
Judith Bessant is a scholar whose work sits at the intersection of social theory, technology, and contemporary cultural transformation. She is best known for her contributions to understanding how emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnologies, and digital media — are reshaping work, culture, and social life in profound and often underappreciated ways. Her most prominent work, *The Great Transformation* (2018), reinterprets Karl Polanyi's foundational concept through a historical and evolutionary lens, offering a framework for making sense of what she terms a "techno-human future." This ambitious project bridges historical analysis with forward-looking social theory, addressing a gap in scholarly and public discourse around the true scope of technological change. Published in the same year, *The Great Transformation: History for a Techno-Human Future* extends this intervention, further developing her argument that history provides essential tools for navigating an era defined by rapid technological disruption. With a combined citation count reflecting growing scholarly interest, Bessant's work is gaining traction among researchers grappling with the social consequences of automation and digital transformation, making her an increasingly relevant voice in contemporary social science and futures studies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1The Great Transformation9 citations · 2018
- 2The Great Transformation: History for a Techno-Human Future6 citations · 2018