ALVIN TOFFLER/ JOEL C. SNELL & R. GARY DEAN / 2025

In FUTURE SHOCK, Alvin Toffler uses terms that now seem very different, but at the time of this writing

1973-1975 were synonymous.  They are Toffler’s SUPER INDUSTRIALISM and the common usage today

of POST INDUSTRIALISM.

At the time, Toffler meant that SUPER INDUSTRIALISM was the third wave of society. Corporations that made goods like cars would be sent overseas. The third wave society is based on knowledge and knowledge workers. One needed numerous skills and intelligence to survive. Today, that is generally POST INDUSTRIALISM.

The theory has held up but in a negative way for the United States. Two out of three jobs that are created in this country are service workers who make something near or around minimum wage. The other job is one that is well paid , but requires a great deal  of education. That means usually concrete oriented thinking, math oriented, and technological in emphasis. At the time this is written, in terms of job creation,  the job most likely to emerge is a clerk and the salary of $20,000 a year. Job advancement is limited.

We have used the two terms intermittently as was the practice of the early to mid 70’s.

Further, FUTURE SHOCK  is like CULTURE SHOCK. One is overwhelmed with the changes confronted and disoriented and depressed about the future.  In CULTURE SHOCK , one is overwhelmed by a new culture and feels disoriented and depressed.

Our views are similar to Toffler’s, and  one can read our summary. Please take into account that this was finished 35 years ago. We are accountable for both what really happened and indicated in the book and our mistakes.

• JOEL C. SNELL / Professor Emeritus Kirkwood College
•  R. GARY DEAN/ past Professor of Creighton University.
• SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER/ 2010