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Becoming The Man Without Qualities? Deskilling in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Author

Listed:
  • Cantarella, Michele

    (Technical University of Denmark - DTU)

  • Molinari, Giuseppe

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

  • Strozzi, Chiara

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

Abstract

This paper investigates how Artificial Intelligence reshapes the human capabilities that jobs require. Using longitudinal O*NET data for the U.S. labour market over 2011–2025, we distinguish among three types of human capabilities - abilities, skills, and knowledge - and construct two measures of human capabilities’ exposure to AI: one based on observed progress in Generative AI benchmark performance and one based on the broader evolution of AI-related scientific and public attention. We document a dual pattern. Within occupations, greater AI exposure is associated with higher proficiency requirements for selected capabilities. At the occupational level, more exposed occupations exhibit a compression in the overall breadth of capabilities required. Together, these findings suggest that AI is driving a process of occupational restructuring, leading to more specialized and less diverse capability profiles embedded in jobs.

Suggested Citation

  • Cantarella, Michele & Molinari, Giuseppe & Strozzi, Chiara, 2026. "Becoming The Man Without Qualities? Deskilling in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," IZA Discussion Papers 18751, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18751
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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