Ethnicity, Assimilation and Harassment in the Labor Market

Gil Epstein and Ira Gang

No 3591, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: We often observe minority ethnic groups at a disadvantage relative to the majority. Why is this and what can be done about it? Efforts made to assimilate, and time, are two elements working to bring the minority into line with the majority. A third element, the degree to which the majority welcomes the minority, also plays a role. We develop a simple theoretical model useful for examining the consequences for assimilation and harassment of growth in the minority population, time, and the role of political institutions. Over time, conflicts develop within the minority group as members exhibit different interests in assimilating and in maintaining their cultural identity. We discuss how this affects the minority’s position over time and the influence of public policy.

Keywords: networks; harassment; contracts; assimilation; ethnicity; market structure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D74 F23 I20 J61 L14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 29 pages
Date: 2008-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-lab, nep-mig and nep-soc
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

Published - published in: Research in Labor Economics, 29, 2009, 67-88

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Chapter: Ethnicity, assimilation, and harassment in the labor market (2009)
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