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Factory Automation, Labor Demand, and Local Labor Market

Author

Listed:
  • Kawaguchi, Daiji

    (University of Tokyo)

  • Okazaki, Tetsuji

    (CEPR)

  • Zhu, Xuanli

    (Keio University)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of a technological change on employment and wages, focusing on the adoption of power looms in the silk-weaving industry. Exploiting plant-level panel data from 20th century Japan, we demonstrate that at the plant level, the power loom adaption increased the employment and wages of adult male workers, who likely conducted engineering tasks, and moderately increased wages of female adults, who were simultaneously displaced and reinstated to more non-routine tasks. The wage hike of adult workers induced the exit of less efficient plants and decreased female adult employment by 28 percent at the area level.

Suggested Citation

  • Kawaguchi, Daiji & Okazaki, Tetsuji & Zhu, Xuanli, 2024. "Factory Automation, Labor Demand, and Local Labor Market," IZA Discussion Papers 16885, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16885
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Atack, Jeremy & Bateman, Fred & Margo, Robert A., 2004. "Skill Intensity and Rising Wage Dispersion in Nineteenth-Century American Manufacturing," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 64(1), pages 172-192, March.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    electrification; automation; employment; wage; second industrial revolution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East

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