Workplace computerization and inequality in schedule control

Abstract

I investigate how computerization increases access to schedule control and widens the class disparity in access. I combine time-varying measurements of occupational-level computerization with individual-level data from the Current Population Survey (1991–2004) and the American Time Use Survey (2018). Results confirm that computerization is positively associated with schedule control, but this association is not robust to the inclusion of other aspects of occupations. The positive association between educational attainment and schedule control is greater among employees in highly computerized occupations. The results shed light on how computerization is related to inequality in access to schedule control, and in turn, work-family conflict and well-being.