AI Impact on Jobs: 75 Million at Risk, Gender Disparity Revealed
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become pervasive in our daily lives, from our smartphones to our cars. Its influence extends across all fields of technology, leading to concerns about the future of human employment. Recently, the International Labor Organization (ILO) released a report assessing the potential impact of AI on the job market.
According to the ILO, AI has the potential to greatly disrupt the job market of the future. However, it does not necessarily mean that it will replace humans altogether. The report suggests that AI will play a more collaborative role, working alongside humans to transform the way work is done.
The data published by the ILO reveals that approximately 75 million jobs will be affected by automation to some extent. This means that AI could potentially replace around 70 million people globally, regardless of gender. On the other hand, the data also shows that about 427 million jobs have the potential for augmentation. This entails AI working hand-in-hand with humans to enhance the quality, intensity, and autonomy of work, paving the way for a digitally capable and technologically progressive future.
Interestingly, the ILO report highlights a significant gender disparity in the impending AI transition. It reveals that roughly 21 million jobs held by women are at risk of automation in high-income countries. This number is more than twice the number of jobs held by men in similar countries that face automation risks. This trend is also observed in countries with upper-middle income, lower-middle income, and low income.
The reason behind this gendered effect lies in the overrepresentation of women in clerical jobs. The majority of women-held positions that face automation risks fall under clerical roles. In many high-income and upper-middle-income countries, clerical jobs have been a significant source of women’s employment. As a result, the incoming technological transition could either have severe implications for women or open up opportunities for their empowerment.
Although the prospect of automation might seem daunting, it is already a reality that we are living in. The ILO report reveals several job positions that could soon be replaced by AI, such as human typists, travel consultants, scribes, contact center information clerks, bank tellers, and survey and market research interviewers. The extent of this automation effect largely depends on the country and income group.
In low-income countries, only 0.4% of human-held positions face automation risks. Conversely, approximately 5.5% of positions in high-income countries face such risks. However, there is hope for people employed in developing countries. The transition to an automated future can provide significant skill development opportunities, as long as appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the negative effects of automation.
In conclusion, AI is poised to have a significant impact on the job market, with approximately 75 million jobs at risk of automation. However, it is important to note that AI’s role is expected to be more collaborative than purely replacing humans. The gender disparity revealed by the ILO report highlights the need for careful consideration of how automation affects different groups. With proper measures in place, automation can lead to a progressive and empowering future for everyone.
