Women Face Higher Risk of Job Displacement from AI, History Shows

Long before digital assistants such as Siri or Alexa existed, telephone switch operators—mostly women—were essential to the communication infrastructure. In mid-20th century America, this occupation represented one of the largest employment categories for young, white women born in the United States. However, the rise of automated telephone switching systems led to the disappearance of these jobs, highlighting a pattern of technological change that continues today with artificial intelligence (AI).

As AI technology advances rapidly, many workers are concerned about its impact on their employment prospects. Examining past technological revolutions provides useful insights into who might be most vulnerable and how the labor market might adjust. Historically, automation has disproportionately affected routine and clerical roles, which are predominantly held by women.

Ariane Hegewisch, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, points out that AI targets repetitive tasks involving data and pattern recognition. "These jobs are often clerical or administrative, where women constitute roughly 90% of secretaries and clerical workers," she explained. Supporting this, a March report from the International Labour Organization found that nearly 10% of women in high-income countries hold occupations at high risk of AI-driven automation.

Looking back to the 1940s, almost 95% of telephone operators in the U.S. were female. This role was relatively well-compensated and demanded extensive training to efficiently manage hundreds of calls during peak periods. Operators needed to be quick, accurate, and courteous. The introduction of AT&T’s automated telephone switch—one of the largest automation projects of its time—resulted in a massive labor disruption. Estimates suggest that 75,000 operator positions vanished nationwide over subsequent decades.

Economists James Feigenbaum of Boston University and Daniel P. Gross of Duke University analyzed census and payroll data to study the impact of this transition. Their findings revealed many displaced operators moved to lower-paying jobs or left the workforce altogether. David Autor, an economist specializing in labor markets, noted that workers often invest their careers in specific roles. When those roles disappear, they tend to accept less favorable employment rather than switch careers entirely.

Despite these setbacks, the younger generation of women adapted more successfully. Feigenbaum and Gross observed that future cohorts found comparable employment in other fields, reflecting labor market flexibility over time. New job opportunities emerged as the economy evolved, offsetting the initial losses.

Another technological advancement reshaping women’s work life occurred in the 1950s with the widespread use of washing machines. University of Pennsylvania economist Jeremy Greenwood described these appliances as "engines of liberation" because they significantly reduced time spent on unpaid housework. This change allowed many women to seek paid employment while maintaining household responsibilities.

Between 1950 and 1980, the U.S. experienced a substantial increase in female labor force participation, rising from 34% to 52%. This growth coincided with a booming economy that created demand for services such as childcare, food preparation, retail, and hospitality. Additionally, expanding businesses required more office workers for tasks like payroll and customer management, creating accessible jobs for women with high school education.

The personal computer revolution of the 1980s further transformed the workplace. In 1980, nearly 4.7 million Americans were employed as secretaries, stenographers, and typists, with women making up over 98% of these roles. The arrival of IBM’s personal computer and software like Microsoft Word shifted many administrative tasks from specialized clerical workers to other office staff. This change reduced some job opportunities but also gave women new tools to enhance productivity.

Research indicates women were more likely than men to use computers at work early in the PC era, which helped them adapt by developing new skills around spreadsheets, databases, and other applications. This adaptability enabled many women to maintain or increase their value in the workplace despite technological disruption.

These historical patterns suggest a complex picture for AI’s impact on women’s employment today. While certain roles may disappear or change significantly, new opportunities could arise as industries evolve. The key challenge will be ensuring that displaced workers receive adequate support and training to transition successfully to emerging fields. Understanding these dynamics is critical as policymakers and businesses plan for the future of work amid advancing AI technologies.