Full Citation

Title: Task Specialization in U.S. Cities from 1880-2000

Citation Type: Working Paper

Publication Year: 2013

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Abstract: We develop a new methodology for quantifying the tasks undertaken within occupations using 3,000 verbs from around 12,000 occupational descriptions in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOTs). Using micro-data from the United States from 1880-2000, we find an increase in the employment share of interactive occupations within sectors over time that is larger in metro areas than non-metro areas. We provide evidence that this increase in the interactiveness of employment is related to the dissemination of improvements in transport and communication technologies. Our findings highlight a change in the nature of agglomeration over time towards an increased emphasis on human interaction.

Url: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2210279

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Authors: Michaels, Guy; Rauch, Ferdinand; Redding, Stephen J.

Series Title: CEPR Discussion Paper

Publication Number: DP9308

Institution: London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)

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Data Collections: IPUMS USA, IPUMS NHGIS

Topics: Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Other

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