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Discrimination as a coordination device : markets and the emergence of identity

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  • Basu,Kaushik

Abstract

The paper develops a new theory of group discrimination in which the discrimination in favor or against certain groups is simply a coordination device. It is built on the axiom that a person who gets to perform many tasks is more effective in carrying out each task, which implies increasing returns to productivity in doing the same task or strategic complementarity between doing different tasks. The theory helps us understand discrimination in free markets and the .finding of some empirical studies that show that people discriminate in job markets against certain groups even when all other traits are held constant. The model gives insight into the relation between group size, discrimination, and productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Basu,Kaushik, 2015. "Discrimination as a coordination device : markets and the emergence of identity," Policy Research Working Paper Series 7490, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7490
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    Cited by:

    1. Daskalova, Vessela, 2018. "Discrimination, social identity, and coordination: An experiment," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 238-252.
    2. Kaushik Basu, 2017. "Discrimination as Focal Point: Markets and Group Identity," Forum for Social Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(2), pages 128-138, April.

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    Keywords

    Housing&Human Habitats; Race in Society; Economic Theory&Research; Labor Policies; Markets and Market Access;
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