Deskilling

Deskilling is the process by which skilled labor within an industry or economy is eliminated by the introduction of technologies operated by semiskilled or unskilled workers. Work is fragmented, and individuals lose the integrated skills and comprehensive knowledge of the crafts persons.

Examples include CNC machine tools replacing machinists and assembly line workers replacing artisans and craftsmen.

Related to the topic of deskilling is '''deprofessionalization. '''

Examples of deprofessionalization can be found across many professions: pharmacists, social workers, nurses and librarians to mention only a few.