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Identifying Sorting: In Theory

Author

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  • Eeckhout, Jan

    (Pompeu Fabra University)

  • Kircher, Philipp

    (Cornell University)

Abstract

We argue that using wage data alone, it is virtually impossible to identify whether Assortative Matching between worker and firm types is positive or negative. In standard competitive matching models the wages are determined by the marginal contribution of a worker, and the marginal contribution might be higher or lower for low productivity firms depending on the production function. For every production function that induces positive sorting we can find a production function that induces negative sorting but generates identical wages. This arises even when we allow for non-competitive mismatch, for example due to search frictions. Even though we cannot identify the sign of the sorting, we can identify the strength, i.e., the magnitude of the cross-partial, and the associated welfare loss. While we show analytically that standard fixed effects regressions are not suitable to recover the strength of sorting, we propose an alternative procedure that measures the strength of sorting in the presence of search frictions independent of the sign of the sorting.

Suggested Citation

  • Eeckhout, Jan & Kircher, Philipp, 2009. "Identifying Sorting: In Theory," IZA Discussion Papers 4004, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    sorting; assortative matching; identification; linked employer-employee data; interpretation of fixed-effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory

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