Silence to Solidarity: How Communication about a Minority Affects Discrimination

Duncan Webb

Journal of Political Economy, 2026, vol. 134, issue 10, 2985 - 3031

Abstract: People predominantly talk within their identity groups. Conversations between majority-group members may, therefore, be crucial in shaping discrimination against minorities. In an experiment in India (N=3,397), nontransgender participants strongly discriminate against transgender workers when hiring for a grocery delivery, but a discussion with two nontransgender neighbors eliminates this discrimination in private postdiscussion choices. The discussion is 1.7 times more effective at reducing discrimination than information about transgender people’s legal rights, and effects partially persist after 1 month. The evidence is consistent with norm-based persuasion, in which pro-transgender participants are more vocal and create a perceived antidiscriminatory norm that reduces subsequent discrimination.

Date: 2026
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