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

Stephen Redding, Guy Michaels and Ferdinand Rauch

No 9308, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

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.

Keywords: Economic development; Human interaction; Urbanization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N92 O18 R12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (31)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Task Specialization in U.S. Cities from 1880 to 2000 (2019)
Working Paper: Task specialization in U.S. cities from 1880-2000 (2019)
Working Paper: Task Specialization in U.S. Cities from 1880-2000 (2013)
Working Paper: Task specialization in U.S. cities from 1880-2000 (2013)
Working Paper: Task Specialization in U.S. Cities from 1880-2000 (2013)
Working Paper: Task Specialization in U.S. Cities from 1880-2000 (2013)
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