Downgrading of jobs due to computerization

Large numbers of office workers have been affected by computerization. A few move up to prestigious jobs as programmers or operators, but most are forced to move to totally new jobs, often at new locations, where they are given 'de-skilled' jobs; many people accept this frustration rather than being without employment.

In the UK, a 1983 study revealed a trend whereby women are entering jobs formerly held by men, such as printing, garment-cutting, mail sorting and to a certain extent computer programming. However, in every case, this has been due to the deskilling and downgrading of the job and the substitution of electronic equipment for personal judgement.