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Discrimination against lesbian and gay job seekers: An artefactual field experiment in urban Ecuador

Author

Listed:
  • Zanoni, Wladimir
  • Hernández, Hugo
  • Zambrano, Omar
  • Quiroz, Gabriel

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of an artefactual field experiment conducted in urban Ecuador to investigate discrimination against individuals self-identifying as lesbian or gay (LG) job seekers in the labor market. Focusing on occupations and sectors that attract the employment interest of both LG and non-LG individuals, the study employed fictitious job applications evaluated by 394 human resource analysts. The results reveal gender-based differential discrimination. Female LG candidates experienced positive discrimination and were more likely to be selected and offered higher wages compared to their heterosexual counterparts. In contrast, male LG candidates experienced negative discrimination, saw no wage differences, and were less likely to be selected. The study finds that female recruiters are especially influential in driving these discriminatory behaviors. These findings contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics of discrimination towards LG workers in the labor market and of the interaction of that form of discrimination with gender.

Suggested Citation

  • Zanoni, Wladimir & Hernández, Hugo & Zambrano, Omar & Quiroz, Gabriel, 2024. "Discrimination against lesbian and gay job seekers: An artefactual field experiment in urban Ecuador," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:88:y:2024:i:c:s0927537124000277
    DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2024.102531
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Zanoni, Wladimir & Díaz, Lina, 2024. "Discrimination against migrants and its determinants: Evidence from a Multi-Purpose Field Experiment in the Housing Rental Market," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Zanoni, Wladimir & Duryea, Suzanne & Paredes, Jorge, 2024. "Exploring Gender Discrimination: A Multi-Trial Field Experiment in Urban Ecuador," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13705, Inter-American Development Bank.
    2. Fabregas, Raissa & Zanoni, Wladimir, 2025. "The migrant penalty in Latin America: Experimental evidence from job recruiters," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    3. Maciel, Mateus & Zuchowski, David & Parente, Sara, 2025. "Rushing to the altar? Same-sex marriages when rights feel at risk," MPRA Paper 125926, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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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
    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments

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