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Does war increase ethnic discrimination in the labor market? Evidence from a field experiment

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  • Abdulla, Kanat
  • Mourelatos, Evangelos

Abstract

This study investigates employer bias against Russian migrants in Kazakhstan’s labor market during the Russia–Ukraine War. Existing literature highlights ethnic discrimination in hiring but lacks insights into these patterns in the context of a geopolitical conflict. Using data from 1,630 fictitious job applications sent to real job postings, we compare responses to local Kazakhs, local Russians, Kyrgyz migrants, and Russian migrants. Our analysis reveals that Russian migrants are significantly less likely to receive interview invitations. This bias intensifies in regions farther from Russia and in high-skilled job sectors. The findings indicate that geopolitical tensions amplify labor market inequalities and highlight the need for targeted anti-discrimination policies to promote equity in hiring practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdulla, Kanat & Mourelatos, Evangelos, 2025. "Does war increase ethnic discrimination in the labor market? Evidence from a field experiment," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:149:y:2025:i:c:s0264999325001063
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2025.107111
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Discrimination; Labor market; Migrant workers; Field experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing
    • J78 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Public Policy (including comparable worth)
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search

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