Collective Reputation and the Dynamics of Statistical Discrimination

Young-Chul Kim and Glenn Loury

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: Economists have developed theoretical models identifying self-fulfilling expectations as an important source of statistical discrimination in labor markets (Arrow, 1973). The static models dominating the literature of statistical discrimination, however, may leave the false impression that a bad equilibrium is as fragile as a "bubble" and can burst at any moment when expectations flip. Such models thus understate the adversity that disadvantaged groups face in seeking to escape bad equilibria. By developing a dynamic version of a statistical discrimination model based on Coate and Loury's (1993) original setup, we clarify the limits of expectations-related fragility. We show that when a group is strongly affected by negative reputational externalities, the group cannot escape a low skill investment trap, regardless of how expectations are formed. By examining the evolution of stereotypes in this way, we also provide new insights into egalitarian policies.

Keywords: Statistical Discrimination; Collective Reputation; Reputation Trap; Forward-Looking Behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D63 D82 J15 J7 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012-08-12, Revised 2014-03-31
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cdm, nep-lma, nep-mic and nep-net
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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