Forskningsprojekt TECHNEQUALITY

How are social inequalities related to tech innovations? Will classic predictors of social inequality still have the same influence on social mobility? It is probable that workers who cannot master the skills required to work with machines in their respective occupations will experience downward mobility by losing their jobs or accepting jobs below their education level. This is usually associated with lower-skilled routine jobs and middle-income jobs in the service sector; however, the actual impact may be felt throughout the labor market, affecting higher educated workers and (semi-) professionals. Professionals such as nurses, medical doctors, accountants and lawyers may see their work simplified or even risk downward mobility if they lack the required skills for working with machines.

This project will focus on empirically examining the extent to which social background, educational credentials and skills predict social status and income in an environment affected by technological change.