The Dynamics of Discrimination: Theory and Evidence
- (pp. 3395-3436)
Abstract
We model the dynamics of discrimination and show how its evolution can identify the underlying source. We test these theoretical predictions in a field experiment on a large online platform where users post content that is evaluated by other users on the platform. We assign posts to accounts that exogenously vary by gender and evaluation histories. With no prior evaluations, women face significant discrimination. However, following a sequence of positive evaluations, the direction of discrimination reverses: women's posts are favored over men's. Interpreting these results through the lens of our model, this dynamic reversal implies discrimination driven by biased beliefs.Citation
Bohren, J. Aislinn, Alex Imas, and Michael Rosenberg. 2019. "The Dynamics of Discrimination: Theory and Evidence." American Economic Review, 109 (10): 3395-3436. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20171829Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- C93 Field Experiments
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
- J71 Labor Discrimination