According to a recent study, due to the varying ease of automation for certain jobs and considering the gender distribution in the job market, women might experience the most significant job losses due to artificial intelligence.
Based on recent research, there is a concerning disparity between the number of jobs held by women that are susceptible to automation, primarily due to the emergence of generative AI.
A recent report from Goldman Sachs revealed that approximately 300 million full-time jobs in the United States and Europe could be at risk of automation because of this disruptive technology.
However, the impact on jobs is not evenly distributed and may disproportionately affect women’s employment opportunities.
New research suggests that considering the varying levels of job automation and the gender distribution in the job market, women could potentially experience more significant job losses due to the influence of generative AI.
According to Mark McNeilly, a professor of the practice of marketing at the Kenan-Flagler school and the lead author of the research, the job distribution between men and women is distinct. While men have a fairly even split between white-collar and blue-collar jobs (50-50), women have a higher proportion of white-collar jobs (70%) compared to blue-collar jobs (30%). This difference in job types could make women more vulnerable to the impacts of generative AI in the workforce.
According to Mark McNeilly, the higher risk of job loss for women due to generative AI can be attributed to the fact that a larger proportion of women are engaged in cognitive jobs, which are particularly affected by automation.
Although men outnumber women in the overall workforce, the research indicates that women are more vulnerable to job displacement by generative AI. This is primarily because a significant 79% of employed women work in occupations that are prone to disruption and automation by AI.
Office positions, which span various industries, are one such example. Approximately 70% of office administrative support occupations are held by women, making this sector significantly susceptible to the impact of AI automation. The potential loss of jobs in this area could have a substantial effect given the considerable number of people employed in these roles.
Moreover, several other industries where women are predominantly represented are also expected to face AI-related disruptions. For instance, in healthcare, 76% of the workforce consists of women, while education and community and social services have 73% and 67% female representation, respectively. All these sectors are likely to experience significant effects as AI technology continues to be adopted.
How to adapt to the emergence of AI in the job market
Adapting to the rise of AI in the job market requires embracing the potential it holds for both job suppression and creation. Throughout history, the introduction of machines to enhance productivity and reduce expenses has led to the emergence of novel job opportunities.
Furthermore, AI can prove beneficial to various industries by automating monotonous and repetitive tasks, thereby complementing certain roles that are not prone to displacement or complete automation. This technological advancement opens up avenues for efficiency and innovation in the workforce.
McNeilly highlighted the potential impact of generative AI on healthcare professionals, a field primarily comprised of over 70 per cent women. With AI’s ability to answer patient questions and offer advice on diagnoses and treatments, it could empower patients to find answers independently, freeing up healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to individual patients.
Considering the current shortage of healthcare professionals, integrating AI into their workflows could lead to more meaningful roles for them, avoiding potential layoffs or devaluation of their positions.
Source: Euronews