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Using Domain-Specific Word Embeddings to Examine the Demand for Skills

In: Big Data Applications in Labor Economics, Part B

Author

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  • Sugat Chaturvedi
  • Kanika Mahajan
  • Zahra Siddique

Abstract

We study the demand for skills by using text analysis methods on job descriptions in a large volume of ads posted on an online Indian job portal. We make use of domain-specific unlabeled data to obtain word vector representations (i.e., word embeddings) and discuss how these can be leveraged for labor market research. We start by carrying out a data-driven categorization of required skill words and construct gender associations of different skill categories using word embeddings. Next, we examine how different required skill categories correlate with log posted wages as well as explore how skills demand varies with firm size. We find that female skills are associated with lower posted wages, potentially contributing to observed gender wage gaps. We also find that large firms require a more extensive range of skills, implying that complementarity between female and male skills is greater among these firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Sugat Chaturvedi & Kanika Mahajan & Zahra Siddique, 2024. "Using Domain-Specific Word Embeddings to Examine the Demand for Skills," Research in Labor Economics, in: Big Data Applications in Labor Economics, Part B, volume 52, pages 171-223, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:rleczz:s0147-91212024000052b029
    DOI: 10.1108/S0147-91212024000052B029
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    1. David Deming & Lisa B. Kahn, 2018. "Skill Requirements across Firms and Labor Markets: Evidence from Job Postings for Professionals," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 36(S1), pages 337-369.
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    10. Afridi, Farzana & Bishnu, Monisankar & Mahajan, Kanika, 2024. "What determines women's labor supply? The role of home productivity and social norms," Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 90(1), pages 55-87, March.
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    13. Brad Hershbein & Lisa B. Kahn, 2018. "Do Recessions Accelerate Routine-Biased Technological Change? Evidence from Vacancy Postings," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 108(7), pages 1737-1772, July.
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    17. Mitra, Aparna, 2003. "Establishment size, employment, and the gender wage gap," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 317-330, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pubali Chakraborty & Kanika Mahajan, 2023. "Firm Size and Female Employment," Working Papers 103, Ashoka University, Department of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Text analysis; online job ads; gender; skills demand; machine learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J63 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing
    • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior

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