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Comment by oli5679

You've got the 1st order effects completely right, but there would be several second-order effects that would undermine this result.

(1) There would be a fall in non-skilled wages, increasing demand for non-skilled labour output.

(2) The reduction in marginal costs would increase supply of the good and reduce its price.

(3) The increased profits earned by the firm/robot inventor would increase demand or saving/consumption of other goods.

(4) The change in relative wages would encourage workers to retrain and switch industries.

In 1850, 60%+ of the American labour force were farmers and over the next 100 years their jobs were automated out of existence by range of more efficient 'robots'. This was no-doubt harmful for many specific farm labourers, but didn't 'screw over the economy'.

parent oli5679 10 years ago

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