This paper analyzes the relationship between geographic mobility and earnings. We present an equilibrium search model that yields differences between the reservation wages of mobile and immobile workers. The expected wages of mobile workers exceed those of immobile workers due to partial sorting across high- and low-paying firms. An extension to visibly distinct groups with different proportions immobile yields statistical discrimination against immobile group members. Using combined Displaced Workers Files, we find that mobility positively affects earnings and partially explains racial and ethnic earnings differentials. To test for statistical discrimination, we estimate separate earnings functions for union and non-union workers.
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References listed on IDEAS Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
Gibbons, Robert & Katz, Lawrence F, 1991.
"Layoffs and Lemons,"
Journal of Labor Economics,
University of Chicago Press, vol. 9(4), pages 351-80, October.
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Other versions:
Robert Gibbons & Lawrence Katz, 1989.
"Layoffs and Lemons,"
Working Papers
629, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
[Downloadable!]
Gibbons, R. & Katz, L.F., 1989.
"Layoffs And Lemons,"
Working papers
531, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Department of Economics.
Robert Gibbons & Lawrence Katz, 1991.
"Layoffs and Lemons,"
NBER Working Papers
2968, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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