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Ethnic Discrimination in the Dutch Labor Market: Differences Between Ethnic Minority Groups and the Role of Personal Information About Job Applicants—Evidence from a Field Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Lex Thijssen

    (Utrecht University
    Netherlands Institute for Social Research)

  • Marcel Coenders

    (Netherlands Institute for Social Research
    Utrecht University)

  • Bram Lancee

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

In this study, we present the results of a large-scale field experiment on ethnic discrimination in the Dutch labor market. We sent fictitious job applications (N = 4211) to vacancies for jobs in ten different occupations in the Netherlands. By examining 35 different ethnic minority groups, we detect considerable differences in discrimination rates, predominantly between Western and non-Western minorities. Furthermore, we find little systematic variation in discrimination patterns with regard to gender, regions, and occupations, pointing to the existence of an ethnic hierarchy that is widely shared among employers. Finally, we do not find empirical support for the hypothesis that adding personal information in job applications reduces discrimination.

Suggested Citation

  • Lex Thijssen & Marcel Coenders & Bram Lancee, 2021. "Ethnic Discrimination in the Dutch Labor Market: Differences Between Ethnic Minority Groups and the Role of Personal Information About Job Applicants—Evidence from a Field Experiment," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1125-1150, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:22:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s12134-020-00795-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-020-00795-w
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lippens, Louis & Vermeiren, Siel & Baert, Stijn, 2023. "The state of hiring discrimination: A meta-analysis of (almost) all recent correspondence experiments," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    3. Marianne Takvam Kindt & Mathilde Bjørnset, 2023. "What Employers Mean When They Talk About Language Proficiency: a Civic Integration Policy Meets the Importance of Informal Skills," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(3), pages 1499-1521, September.

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