Working Paper: NBER ID: w25536
Authors: Robert J. Shiller
Abstract: Concerns that technological progress degrades job opportunities have been expressed over much of the last two centuries by both professional economists and the general public. These concerns can be seen in narratives both in scholarly publications and in the news media. Part of the expressed concern about jobs has been about the potential for increased economic inequality. But another part of the concern has been about a perceived decline in job quality in terms of its effects on monotony vs creativity of work, individual sense of identity, power to act independently, and meaning of life. Public policy should take account of both of these concerns, inequality and job quality.
Keywords: technology; job quality; economic inequality; narratives; public policy
JEL Codes: B0; E02; J0; N3
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Technological advancements (O33) | perceived decline in job quality (J63) |
| Monotony replaces creativity (L15) | affects individuals' sense of identity and meaning in their work (J29) |
| Narratives surrounding labor-saving machines (J29) | influence public perceptions and policy decisions (D72) |
| Fear of losing jobs altogether (J63) | leads to poverty and unemployment (F66) |
| Changes in job quality due to technology (J29) | affect social standing and self-esteem (I24) |