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The distribution of technology induced job loss: Evidence from a population-wide study in Norway

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  • Bjørn-Atle Reme
  • Ole Røgeberg
  • Jonathan Wörn
  • Bernt Bratsberg
  • Vegard Fykse Skirbekk

Abstract

Globalization and automation are leading to skill-biased structural changes in the labor market, resulting in the polarization of employment opportunities. These shifts are raising concerns about growing earnings inequality and gender disparities, particularly in occupations characterized by routine cognitive and physical tasks. This study utilizes comprehensive individual-level data from Norway to analyze gender differences in the routine intensity of occupations. The findings reveal significant and growing gender disparities. These disparities are most pronounced among individuals with low socioeconomic status. The analysis further identifies increasing gender differences in educational attainment as the primary contributor to the growing gender differences. Our results highlight the role of educational inequality in driving labor market disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions to address these gendered dynamics, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Bjørn-Atle Reme & Ole Røgeberg & Jonathan Wörn & Bernt Bratsberg & Vegard Fykse Skirbekk, 2025. "The distribution of technology induced job loss: Evidence from a population-wide study in Norway," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(4), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0321072
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. David H. Autor & David Dorn, 2013. "The Growth of Low-Skill Service Jobs and the Polarization of the US Labor Market," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 103(5), pages 1553-1597, August.
    3. Maarten Goos & Alan Manning & Anna Salomons, 2014. "Explaining Job Polarization: Routine-Biased Technological Change and Offshoring," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(8), pages 2509-2526, August.
    4. Daron Acemoglu & Pascual Restrepo, 2020. "Robots and Jobs: Evidence from US Labor Markets," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 128(6), pages 2188-2244.
    5. Ljubica Nedelkoska & Glenda Quintini, 2018. "Automation, skills use and training," OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Papers 202, OECD Publishing.
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