Occupation Growth, Skill Prices, and Wage Inequality by Michael J Böhm

Join us for the latest Applied Economics Research Seminar Series event, Autumn Term 2021.

Michael J Böhm from the University of Bonn will present their research on Occupation Growth, Skill Prices, and Wage Inequality.

Abstract

This paper studies the relationship between occupational employment, occupational wages, and rising wage inequality. We document that in all occupations, entrants and leavers earn less than stayers. This suggests selection effects that are negative for growing occupations and positive for shrinking ones. We estimate a model for occupational skill prices, which includes occupation-specific skill accumulation and endogenous switching across many occupations. Consistent with leading explanations for occupational changes, estimated prices (i.e., selection-corrected wages) and occupational employment growth are positively related. Skill prices also establish a long-suspected quantitative connection between occupational changes and the surge in wage inequality. 

The seminar will begin with a presentation and will end with a Q and A session.

It will be held at the Colchester Campus at 4pm on Thursday 18th November. Room: TBC, but a zoom link can also be provided for remote access. This event is open to all levels of study and is also open to the public. To register your place and gain access to the webinar, please contact the seminar organisers.

This event is part of the Applied Economics Research Seminar Series.