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Factory Automation, Labor Demand, and Local Labor Market

Author

Listed:
  • Daiji Kawaguchi

    (Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo)

  • Tetsuji Okazaki

    (Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo)

  • Xuanli Zhu

    (Faculty of Economics, Keio University)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of a technological change on employment and wages, focusing on the adoption of power looms in the silk-weaving industry. Exploiting plant-level panel data from 20th century Japan, we demonstrate that at the plant level, the power loom adaption increased the employment and wages of adult male workers, who likely conducted engineering tasks, and moderately increased wages of female adults, who were simultaneously displaced and reinstated to more non-routine tasks. The wage hike of adult workers induced the exit of less efficient plants and decreased female adult employment by 28 percent at the area level.

Suggested Citation

  • Daiji Kawaguchi & Tetsuji Okazaki & Xuanli Zhu, 2024. "Factory Automation, Labor Demand, and Local Labor Market," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-1225, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    • Handle: RePEc:tky:fseres:2024cf1225
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    File URL: http://www.cirje.e.u-tokyo.ac.jp/research/dp/2024/2024cf1225.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Atack, Jeremy & Bateman, Fred & Margo, Robert A., 2004. "Skill Intensity and Rising Wage Dispersion in Nineteenth-Century American Manufacturing," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 64(1), pages 172-192, March.
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