OAFP 5420 - Challenges for the Future of Work: Demographics, Technology, and Inequality

This course explores the major challenges that are reshaping employment and wages in the 21st century. It moves beyond the scope of traditional labor economics.

Instead of focusing solely on standard supply-and-demand models, we examine how deep structural forces, such as demographic changes and technological disruptions, are transforming the nature of work.

Key topics include aging populations, youth unemployment, artificial intelligence, and the role of firms in driving wage inequality.

We analyze how these forces interact with evolving labor market institutions and consider how public policy can effectively respond.

The course integrates empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, drawing from contemporary research employing causal inference, imperfect labor market models, and cross-country comparisons.

By the end of the course, students will have the analytical tools necessary to understand and design employment policies that address the major economic transformations of our time.

A bachelor level in economics (some notions of econometrics and microeconomics)

Interactive lessons with slides. Group discussions and case study analysis.

Final exam (50% of assessment) and Take-home policy case (50% of assessment)

Readings and slides will be distributed in advance.