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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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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Daisuke ADACHI, 2024. "Robots and Wage Polarization: The effects of robot capital by occupation," Discussion papers 24066, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    2. Adachi, Daisuke, 2025. "Elasticity of substitution between robots and workers: Theory and evidence from Japanese robot price data," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).

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    Keywords

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    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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