Evolution of professions in the age of artificial intelligence: The Ardahan example

This master's thesis aims to address the effects of artificial intelligence technologies on occupational structure and workforce dynamics from a sociological perspective. The technological transformation that has accelerated with digitalization in the transition from industrial society to information society, especially with the development of artificial intelligence, is restructuring occupational definitions, employment patterns and social division of labor. In this context, the study aimed to examine the impact of AI on occupations in Ardahan, one of the provinces with a low socioeconomic development level in Turkey, through a local sample. The qualitative method was adopted in the research; semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals working in service sectors such as education, health, finance and banking. The data obtained were evaluated based on the awareness levels of professionals regarding artificial intelligence, their perceptions of these technologies and their attitudes towards the professional transformation process. The findings show that artificial intelligence increases the sense of professional uncertainty and insecurity in the labor market, as well as indicating the need for individuals to acquire new skills and competencies. It is revealed that institutions are accelerating their efforts to accelerate the migration process, where the use of artificial intelligence technology is just beginning. The study reveals that artificial intelligence is not only a technological phenomenon but also a social and cultural phenomenon; therefore, it should be addressed with a sociological analysis. Field data specific to Ardahan emphasizes that regional inequalities may deepen even more in the age of artificial intelligence and the importance of social policies for this transformation process. Since the artificial intelligence transformation is not only dependent on the individual, societies and institutions need to be prepared for this and be continuously trained.