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6 - Changes in Occupations, Jobs, and Skill Polarization

from Part II - What Has Changed?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2020

By
Arthur Sakamoto ,
ChangHwan Kim  and
Christopher R. Tamborini
Edited by
Brian J. Hoffman ,
Mindy K. Shoss  and
Lauren A. Wegman
Brian J. Hoffman
Affiliation:
University of Georgia
Mindy K. Shoss
Affiliation:
University of Central Florida
Lauren A. Wegman
Affiliation:
University of Georgia
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Summary

The job structure has become more polarized in recent decades in the United States. Automation and related computerized technologies replaced many jobs which are characterized by well-defined, routine activities that do not require complex analytical skills. Using recent data for the labor force, we find that job polarization increased through about 2011. This overall trend was the outcome of two contrary patterns including occupational downgrading among men and occupational upgrading among women. However, the perception of job polarization may be greater than its actuality because the distribution of household income has become more unequal than the occupational structure due to rising assortative mating. Job polarization seems to have tapered off since 2011 whereas household income inequality has continued to increase. The trend towards job polarization ironically occurred while the educational distribution of workers was becoming less polarized.

Keywords

occupationsjob polarizationoccupational downgradingincome inequalityeducational attainmentassortative mating
Type
Chapter
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The Cambridge Handbook of the Changing Nature of Work , pp. 133 - 153
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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