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Routine-Biased Technological Change and Declining Employment Rate of Immigrants

Author

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  • Younjun Kim

    (Southern Connecticut State University)

  • Eric Thompson

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Abstract

We find that routine-biased technological change decreases the employment-to-population ratio of foreign-born population over the last three decades (1980–2010). This impact is greater for foreign-born population with lower English proficiency. As computerization and automation substitute for workers in routine occupations, switching from routine jobs to non-routine cognitive jobs may be more challenging for foreign-born workers than for native workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Younjun Kim & Eric Thompson, 2021. "Routine-Biased Technological Change and Declining Employment Rate of Immigrants," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 47(3), pages 319-353, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:47:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1057_s41302-021-00192-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s41302-021-00192-w
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Routine-biased technological change; Immigrants; Language proficiency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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