Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Soares Martins Neto, Antonio
Author-Email: martinsneto@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University
Author-Name: Mathew, Nanditha
Author-Email: mathew@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University
Author-Name: Mohnen, Pierre
Author-Email: mohnen@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University
Author-Name: Treibich, Tania
Author-Email: t.treibich@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Author-Workplace-Name: SBE, Maastricht University
Title: Is there job polarization in developing economies? A review and outlook.
Abstract: This paper analyses the evidence of job polarization in developing
	 countries. We carry out an extensive review of the existing empirical
	 literature and examine the primary data sources and measures of routine
	 intensity. The synthesis of results suggests that job polarization in
	 emerging economies is only incipient compared to other advanced
	 economies. We then examine the possible moderating aspects preventing
	 job polarization, discussing the main theoretical channels and the
	 existing empirical literature. Overall, the literature relates the lack
	 of polarization as a natural consequence of limited technology
	 adoption and the offshoring of routine, middle-earning jobs to some host
	 developing economies. In turn, the limited technology adoption results
	 from sub-optimal capabilities in those economies, including the
	 insufficient supply of educated workers. Finally, we present the main
	 gaps in the literature in developing economies and point to the need for
	 more micro-level studies focusing on the impacts of tech- nology
	 adoption on workers’ careers and studies exploring the adoption and use
	 of technologies at the firm level.
Classification-JEL: J24, J63, O15, O33, E24
Keywords: Job polarization, Routine intensity, Skills, Developing countries 
Series: UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Creation-Date: 20211125
Number: 2021-045
File-URL: https://unu-merit.nl/publications/wppdf/2021/wp2021-045.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 275 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2021045