LinkedOut? A Field Experiment on Discrimination in Job Network Formation

Yulia Evsyukova (), Felix Rusche and Wladislaw Mill

CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series from University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany

Abstract: We assess the impact of discrimination on Black individuals’ job networks in the U.S. using a two-stage field experiment with 400+ fictitious LinkedIn profiles. Varying race via A.I.-generated images only, we find that Black profiles’ connection requests are accepted at significantly lower rates (Stage I) and their networks provide less information (Stage II). Leveraging our experimental design to eliminate first-stage endogeneity, we identify gatekeeping as the key driver of Black-White disparities. Examining users’ CVs reveals widespread discrimination across different social groups and – contrary to expert predictions – less discrimination among men and older users.

Keywords: Discrimination; Job Networks; Labor Markets; Field Experiment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C93 D85 J15 J46 J71 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 158
Date: 2023-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp, nep-lab, nep-soc and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Related works:
Working Paper: LinkedOut? A Field Experiment on Discrimination in Job Network Formation (2024)
Working Paper: LinkedOut? A Field Experiment on Discrimination in Job Network Formation (2024)
Working Paper: Linked out? A field experiment on discrimination in job network formation (2024)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bon:boncrc:crctr224_2023_482

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