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Technology and social equality in the United States

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  • Skare, Marinko
  • Porada-Rochoń, Małgorzata

Abstract

This paper presents empirical evidence on the link between social equality and technology waves in the U.S. 1860–2019. We measure the impact of various technology adoption by the U.S. households on their social condition (social equality). Using unbalanced panel data for the U.S., we measure the individual technology impact (wave) on social equality over the last 160 years. The findings indicate that technology substantially impacts social equality (proxied by the life inequality index). Technology's impact on social equality varies across technology waves so that we can conclude not all technology is equally suitable for people. Digital technology adoption is significantly improving social equality in the U.S. The results also confirm that technology waves alone in the U.S. can explain about 30 % of changes in social equality. Policymakers should look at technology as a strong driver of social equality and adjust social policy accordingly. Economic growth models in a digital revolution time must pay attention not only to the Solow (1957) residual but also on social equality as a source of growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Skare, Marinko & Porada-Rochoń, Małgorzata, 2022. "Technology and social equality in the United States," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:183:y:2022:i:c:s0040162522004681
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121947
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology adoption; Technology waves; Panel data; Economic growth; Social equality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income

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