A Growing Divide: AI Threatens Jobs Held by Women
The impact of artificial intelligence on the US workforce is being felt across various industries, but research suggests that those in traditionally female-dominated occupations are particularly vulnerable to job displacement. According to a report from the Brookings Institution and the Centre for the Governance of AI, nearly 6 million workers could struggle to cope if their jobs are disrupted by AI, with many more facing an uncertain future.
The most at-risk professions include clerical and administrative roles, where women have historically held sway. However, it's essential to note that this vulnerability is not a reflection on the competency or skill level of these workers. Rather, it's a result of the inherently narrow nature of these job functions.
While some sectors, such as marketing, finance, and science, are better positioned to adapt to AI-driven changes, with 70% of workers in these roles potentially able to pivot into new positions with comparable earnings, others are not so fortunate. The challenge lies in developing a broader range of skills that can be leveraged across multiple industries.
Experts caution that the current impact on the labor market appears relatively minor, but this could change as AI becomes increasingly prevalent. Mark Muro, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, notes that these jobs have been "under attack" for decades, with AI only continuing a trend of technological advancements that have historically supplanted human workers in various roles.
Ben May, director of global macro research at Oxford Economics, also expresses skepticism about firms' ability to quickly replace workers with AI. However, he suggests that individuals can take matters into their own hands by experimenting with technology to become more productive and expand their skill sets.
In a bid to combat the growing threat of AI in their fields, experts recommend taking proactive steps to upskill and reskill. This may involve exploring new technologies, developing transferable skills, or even transitioning to entirely new roles. By doing so, workers can mitigate the risks associated with AI-driven job displacement and remain relevant in an ever-changing job market.
The impact of artificial intelligence on the US workforce is being felt across various industries, but research suggests that those in traditionally female-dominated occupations are particularly vulnerable to job displacement. According to a report from the Brookings Institution and the Centre for the Governance of AI, nearly 6 million workers could struggle to cope if their jobs are disrupted by AI, with many more facing an uncertain future.
The most at-risk professions include clerical and administrative roles, where women have historically held sway. However, it's essential to note that this vulnerability is not a reflection on the competency or skill level of these workers. Rather, it's a result of the inherently narrow nature of these job functions.
While some sectors, such as marketing, finance, and science, are better positioned to adapt to AI-driven changes, with 70% of workers in these roles potentially able to pivot into new positions with comparable earnings, others are not so fortunate. The challenge lies in developing a broader range of skills that can be leveraged across multiple industries.
Experts caution that the current impact on the labor market appears relatively minor, but this could change as AI becomes increasingly prevalent. Mark Muro, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, notes that these jobs have been "under attack" for decades, with AI only continuing a trend of technological advancements that have historically supplanted human workers in various roles.
Ben May, director of global macro research at Oxford Economics, also expresses skepticism about firms' ability to quickly replace workers with AI. However, he suggests that individuals can take matters into their own hands by experimenting with technology to become more productive and expand their skill sets.
In a bid to combat the growing threat of AI in their fields, experts recommend taking proactive steps to upskill and reskill. This may involve exploring new technologies, developing transferable skills, or even transitioning to entirely new roles. By doing so, workers can mitigate the risks associated with AI-driven job displacement and remain relevant in an ever-changing job market.