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  3. Journal of Economic Perspectives
  4. Winter 2001
  5. Wiring the Labor Market

Journal of Economic Perspectives

ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)

Wiring the Labor Market

  • David H. Autor
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 15, no. 1, Winter 2001
(pp. 25–40)
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Abstract

Workers and jobs are naturally heterogeneous and the quality of their interaction when paired is difficult to forecast. The Internet promises to open new channels for worker-firm communications. What are the consequences of this opening? I discuss three labor market features that may be altered: how worker-firm matches are made; how labor services are delivered; and how local markets shape labor demand. Theory predicts these developments will produce social benefits. But the gains are unlikely to be uniform and realizing them will generate novel problems. One result may be the formation of new institutions to address issues accompanying these opportunities.

Citation

Autor, David, H. 2001. "Wiring the Labor Market." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 15 (1): 25–40. DOI: 10.1257/jep.15.1.25

JEL Classification

  • R23 Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics: Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population; Neighborhood Characteristics
  • J41 Labor Contracts
  • L86 Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
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