What Victorian Bootmakers Can Teach Us About The Future of Work | Diving In
Summary
Justin Wolfers uses Hilary Verdond’s research on Victorian bootmaking to illustrate how technology reshapes work. He explains that while mechanization destroyed artisan jobs, cheaper prices spurred demand, keeping total employment stable but shifting tasks and geography. This history suggests AI may reorganize labor rather than eliminate it, though the speed of change remains a critical uncertainty.
Topics discussed
Podcast introductions and iHeartRadio ads
AI job fears and Victorian bootmaking analogy
The rise of mechanization in boot making
Worker strikes and market price adjustments
Jevons Paradox and creative destruction
iHeartRadio ads and podcast promotions
Job stability and occupational transformation
Geographic shifts and generational transition
Lessons for AI from historical economic data
Final podcast promotions and sign-off
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