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Scapegoating in evaluation decisions

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  • Zussman, Asaf

Abstract

Scapegoating – attributing inordinate blame for a negative outcome to a target individual or group – is considered an important driver of discrimination by psychologists, but has received little attention by economists. This paper helps fill the gap by providing evidence for scapegoating in a natural setting. Using data on three million driving tests held in Israel, I find that an increase in the number of unrelated traffic accident fatalities leads driving testers to discriminate against out-group students. Scapegoating characterizes all groups of testers – Jewish and Arab, male and female – and works to increase ethnic in-group bias and decrease gender out-group bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Zussman, Asaf, 2021. "Scapegoating in evaluation decisions," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 186(C), pages 152-163.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:186:y:2021:i:c:p:152-163
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.03.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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