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Labor market changes and social inclusiveness across regions: evidence from the rise of the modern office

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  • Elisabeth Bublitz

    (Universität Hamburg)

  • Michael Wyrwich

    (University of Groningen)

Abstract

Could complex changes in the labor market reduce social inequalities across regions? We study the rise of office employment in the early twentieth century that was induced by innovations in office technology and organizational changes affecting the type of required office tasks. The new office jobs required little physical strength. We find that the regional employment share of industries that were strongly connected to the modern office, is positively linked to labor force participation of people with physical impairments. The positive employment effect is more visible for disabled men. In sum, the rise of the modern office that differed across regions started to lower labor market entry barriers and fostered social inclusiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisabeth Bublitz & Michael Wyrwich, 2024. "Labor market changes and social inclusiveness across regions: evidence from the rise of the modern office," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 72(3), pages 863-879, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:anresc:v:72:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s00168-023-01225-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s00168-023-01225-2
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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