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Robots, Tools, and Jobs: Evidence from Brazilian Labor Markets

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Abstract

What is the effect of robots and tools on employment and inequality? Using natural language processing and an instrumental variable approach, we discover that robots have led to a sizable decrease in the employment and wages of low-skill workers in operational occupations. However, tools — machines that complement labor — have led to an equally large reinstatement of these workers, increasing their employment and wages. Using a quantitative model, we find that the lower prices of robots and tools over the last 20 years have reduced inequality and increased welfare without a significant effect on employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Gustavo de Souza & Haishi Li, 2023. "Robots, Tools, and Jobs: Evidence from Brazilian Labor Markets," Working Paper Series WP 2023-42, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedhwp:97522
    DOI: 10.21033/wp-2023-42
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    1. Adriana D. Kugler & Maurice Kugler & Laura Ripani & Rodimiro Rodrigo, 2020. "U.S. Robots and their Impacts in the Tropics: Evidence from Colombian Labor Markets," NBER Working Papers 28034, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    6. Wiljan van den Berge, 2019. "Automatic Reaction – What Happens to Workers at Firms that Automate?," CPB Discussion Paper 390, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    robots; Automation; tools; Labor-augmenting;
    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

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