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What's in a name? Evidence of transgender labor discrimination in Mexico

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  • Martínez-Alfaro, Alejandra
  • Silverio-Murillo, Adan
  • Balmori-de-la-Miyar, Jose

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the potential impact of signaling a transgender identity on the likelihood of receiving a callback during a hiring process in Mexico. Employing a correspondence study design, 512 resumes were randomly sent to employers across sixteen states. We exclusively used profiles of transgender and cisgender women in women-dominated sectors: sales and administration. Results indicate that applications from transgender candidates received 36% fewer positive responses than those from cisgender candidates. These findings corroborate existing evidence of discriminatory practices in hiring processes against transgender individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Martínez-Alfaro, Alejandra & Silverio-Murillo, Adan & Balmori-de-la-Miyar, Jose, 2024. "What's in a name? Evidence of transgender labor discrimination in Mexico," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:227:y:2024:i:c:s0167268124003524
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106738
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Transgender; Labor market; Correspondence study; Mexico;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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