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Self-image Bias and Lost Talent

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  • Veronesi, Pietro
  • Siniscalchi, Marciano

Abstract

We propose an overlapping-generation model wherein researchers belong to two groups, M or F, and established researchers evaluate new researchers. Group imbalance obtains even with group-neutral evaluations and identical productivity distributions. Evaluators' self-image bias and mild between-group heterogeneity in equally productive research characteristics lead the initially dominant group, say M, to promote scholars with characteristics similar to theirs. Promoted F-researchers are few and similar to M-researchers, perpetuating imbalance. Candidates' career concerns and institutions' hiring practices exacerbate talent loss. Mentorship reduces group imbalance, but increases F-group talent loss. Affirmative action reduces both. Our mechanism explains existing evidence and suggests different policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Veronesi, Pietro & Siniscalchi, Marciano, 2020. "Self-image Bias and Lost Talent," CEPR Discussion Papers 15621, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:15621
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    Cited by:

    1. J. Ignacio Conde-Ruiz & Juan-José Ganuza & Manu García & Luis A. Puch, 2021. "Gender Distribution across Topics in Top 5 Economics Journals: A Machine Learning Approach," Working Papers 1241, Barcelona School of Economics.
    2. Conde-Ruiz, J. Ignacio & Ganuza, Juan José & Profeta, Paola, 2022. "Statistical discrimination and committees," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    3. Anna Costello & Ekaterina Fedorova & Zhijing Jin & Rada Mihalcea, 2022. "Editing a Woman's Voice," Papers 2212.02581, arXiv.org, revised May 2023.
    4. J. Ignacio Conde-Ruiz & Juan-José Ganuza & Manu García & Luis A. Puch, 2022. "Gender distribution across topics in the top five economics journals: a machine learning approach," SERIEs: Journal of the Spanish Economic Association, Springer;Spanish Economic Association, vol. 13(1), pages 269-308, May.
    5. Paula Onuchic, 2022. "Recent Contributions to Theories of Discrimination," Papers 2205.05994, arXiv.org, revised Jun 2023.
    6. J.Ignacio Conde-Ruiz & Juan-José Ganuza & Manu García & Luis A. Puch, 2023. "Diferencias de Género en la Investigación Económica. Un Enfoque de Aprendizaje Automático," Working Papers 2023-02, FEDEA.
    7. Hossain, Tanjim & Morgan, John, 2022. "Maybe I Should Just Stay Home," MPRA Paper 111761, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Ursina Schaede & Ville Mankki, 2022. "Quota vs Quality? Long-Term Gains from an Unusual Gender Quota," CESifo Working Paper Series 9811, CESifo.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender discrimination; Self-image bias; Affirmative action; Mentorship;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J7 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination

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