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Getting Grey Hairs in the Labour Market: An Alternative Experiment on Age Discrimination

Author

Listed:
  • Baert, Stijn

    (Ghent University)

  • Norga, Jennifer

    (Ghent University)

  • Thuy, Yannick

    (Ghent University)

  • Van Hecke, Marieke

    (Ghent University)

Abstract

This study presents a new field experimental approach for measuring age discrimination in hiring. In addition to the classical approach in which candidates' ages are randomly assigned within pairs of fictitious resumes that are sent to real vacancies, we randomly assign activities undertaken by the older candidates during their additional life years between these pairs. When applying this design to the Belgium case, we find that age discrimination is fundamentally heterogeneous by older candidates' career pattern. Older age affects call-back only (negatively) in case older candidates were inactive or employed in an out-of-field job during their additional post-educational years.

Suggested Citation

  • Baert, Stijn & Norga, Jennifer & Thuy, Yannick & Van Hecke, Marieke, 2015. "Getting Grey Hairs in the Labour Market: An Alternative Experiment on Age Discrimination," IZA Discussion Papers 9289, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9289
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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