From ‘factory labour’ to ‘digital labour’: a paradigm shift of the Marxist theory of labour emancipation in the field of cybersecurity

Abstract

With the development of information technology and the transformation of labour patterns from factory labour to digital labour, cybersecurity has become an important cornerstone of national security and social stability. This study focuses on the paradigm shift of Marxist labour emancipation theory in the field of cybersecurity, and explores it using a combination of literature research, case study analysis and interdisciplinary research method. The Marxist theory of labour emancipation takes the nature of labour as its starting point, aiming to achieve the free and comprehensive development of human beings, but there are limitations in practice in the era of factory labour. Digital labour, based on digital technology, plays a key role in the field of cybersecurity, and is characterised by flexible and autonomous working methods, decentralised and collaborative organisational forms, and innovative and value-added value creation. Compared with factory labour, digital labour has significant differences in terms of labour materials, time and space, control methods and subjects. In the era of digital labour, the logic of value creation is based on the production of information and knowledge, and new forms of labour alienation emerge, requiring the reconstruction of the emancipation path. The theoretical results are verified through the case study of Chianxin. Future research can be carried out in the directions of digital labour ethics, global digital labour governance and the mechanism of synergistic development of digital labour and cyber security.