The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have undoubtedly transformed various industries, leading to concerns about potential job losses in the future. While the impact of AI on the job market is a subject of ongoing research, a recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute has shed light on a critical aspect – the disproportionate effect on women compared to men.
The McKinsey study, titled “AI Disruption Will Snatch Away More Jobs From Women Compared To Men,” has raised an important question about gender inequality in the age of AI. According to the findings, women may bear a heavier brunt of job losses compared to their male counterparts due to the increasing adoption of AI and automation in the workforce.
The study highlights that approximately 80% of women in the workforce are likely to face significant job changes as AI technology becomes more prevalent. Certain industries, such as food services, customer service, sales, and office support, are projected to witness substantial reductions in positions as automation continues to advance. Since women are overrepresented in these sectors and often hold more low-paying jobs than men, they are at a higher risk of being impacted by these workforce transformations.
The report specifically identifies job roles that are heavily represented by women, such as office support and customer service, to potentially decrease by around 3.7 million and 2.0 million positions, respectively, by the year 2030. Moreover, low-wage jobs predominantly held by women, such as retail salespeople and cashiers, are also expected to feel the effects of automation.
Addressing the Gendered Impact of AI Disruption
As the job market evolves, women must adapt and expand their skill sets to remain competitive and navigate the changing landscape. The study emphasizes the need for companies to take proactive measures in recruiting, hiring, and training individuals who can effectively collaborate with automated systems. By empowering women with relevant skills, companies can support workforce development and ensure a smoother integration of automation.
The McKinsey Global Institute’s study highlights a staggering statistic: the US will require at least 12 million workers to transition to different occupations by the end of 2030. In light of these findings, Julia Pollak, a chief economist with ZipRecruiter, expressed astonishment at the extent of the potential job disruptions. She also noted that certain job categories, particularly manual services and production roles that are more male-dominated, might be less susceptible to automation compared to office jobs.
The Goldman Sachs report released in March 2023 further reinforces the transformative impact of AI. It projects that up to 300 million jobs worldwide could be impacted by generative AI, a technology that produces content resembling human output, leading to potential increases in productivity over the next decade.
