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Technological Unemployment: A New View

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  • Peter Matthews

Abstract

This paper extends the now familiar Shapiro-Stiglitz (1984) model of labor market behavior to reconsider the controversial proposition that some forms of innovation have persistent displacement effects. In particular, it finds that when distinctions between random production failures and reduced effort level are difficult to draw, the adoption f new methods of production that compel more effort, break down more often and/or allow for closer supervision will sometimes induce technological joblessness. The possible magnitude of such dislocation, its welfare effects and the possibilities for invention are then discussed in detail.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Matthews, 2002. "Technological Unemployment: A New View," Middlebury College Working Paper Series 0212, Middlebury College, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:mdl:mdlpap:0212
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    File URL: http://www.middlebury.edu/services/econ/repec/mdl/ancoec/0212.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    7. Carmichael, H Lorne, 1990. "Efficiency Wage Models of Unemployment--One View," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 28(2), pages 269-295, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    labor discipline; technological change; displacement;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts
    • 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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