Disappearing Entry-Level Jobs, Remaining Care — Redesigning the "Meaning of Work" for Young Men: "In the Robot Era, Work is Testing 'Masculinity'"

The impact of AI and automation is not uniform. An analysis by Phys.org highlights that jobs relying on repetitive manual labor, which are more common among young men with lower educational attainment, are particularly vulnerable. In contrast, interpersonal roles such as nursing and counseling are less likely to be automated. A study in South Wales, UK, reveals that family and local traditions support the view of "manual labor = men's work," while formal education and service jobs are often dismissed as "feminine." Government upskilling policies alone are insufficient; support that transcends cultural and identity barriers is necessary. On social media, alongside voices appreciating the persuasiveness of field observations, there is concern about the trend of AI eliminating entry-level jobs (as noted in a BSI survey) and discussions on the need for policy mixes like a robot tax. In Japan, it is essential to incorporate care and interpersonal skills as options for men, and to update the "meaning of work" through micro-qualifications, local mentors, and redesigning entry-level employment.