Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Title: LinkedOut? A Field Experiment on Discrimination in Job Network Formation
Author-Name: Yulia Evsyukova
Author-Email: yulia.evsyukova@gess.uni-mannheim.de
Author-Name: Felix Rusche
Author-Email: felix.rusche@uni-mannheim.de
Author-Name: Wladislaw Mill
Author-Email: mall@uni-mannheim.de
Classification-JEL: J71, J15, C93, J46, D85
Keywords: Discrimination, Job Networks, Labor Markets, Field Experiment

Abstract: We assess the impact of discrimination on Black individuals’ job networks in the U.S. using a
two-stage field experiment with 400+ fictitious LinkedIn profiles. Varying race via A.I.-generated
images only, we find that Black profiles’ connection requests are accepted at significantly lower
rates (Stage I) and their networks provide less information (Stage II). Leveraging our experimental 
design to eliminate first-stage endogeneity, we identify gatekeeping as the key driver of
Black-White disparities. Examining users’ CVs reveals widespread discrimination across different social groups 
and – contrary to expert predictions – less discrimination among men and older users.

Note: 
Length: 158
Creation-Date: 2023-12
Revision-Date:
File-URL: https://www.crctr224.de/research/discussion-papers/archive/dp482
File-Format: application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:bon:boncrc:CRCTR224_2023_482