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Discrimination in access to sports associations: the effects of gender, origin and income

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  • Anne, Denis
  • Moussi-Beylie, Florian

Abstract

This study employs the correspondence test method to investigate discrimination in access to sports clubs in France. This involves sending requests for information to sports clubs. Eight fictitious candidate profiles were created to assess three discrimination criteria: gender, ethnic origin, and income level. The profiles sent emails to 1,200 sports clubs, requesting information on access to training for four different sports, chosen for their highly gendered practices. The results demonstrate the absence of quantitative discrimination in three of the four sports tested. Nevertheless, there is a considerable disadvantage for the three criteria in horseback riding, a sport with considerably higher practice costs than the other disciplines under investigation. Furthermore, the content of the emails received suggests a preference for the reference candidate over the North African and opposite-sex candidates.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne, Denis & Moussi-Beylie, Florian, 2025. "Discrimination in access to sports associations: the effects of gender, origin and income," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reecon:v:79:y:2025:i:2:s1090944325000304
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rie.2025.101053
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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
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • Z20 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - General

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