Rowena Gray
Taking technology to task: The skill content of technological change in early twentieth century United States
University of Essex
paper uses new data task content occupations present new picture labor market effects technological change prewwii united states show similar recent computerization episode electrification manufacturing sector led hollowing skill distribution whereby workers middle distribution lost extremes ols estimates show electrification increased demand clerical numerical planning people skills relative manual skills simultaneously reducing relative demand dexterityintensive jobs comprised middle skill distribution thus early twentieth century technological change unskillbiased blue collar tasks skillbiased aggregate results line downward trend wage differentials within us manufacturing 1950