Gender and Ethnic Discrimination: The Role of Institutional Context

Abstract

This study examines gender and ethnicity discrimination in the labor market in different institutional contexts. Based on a harmonized database of correspondence experiments covering five European countries, the study shows the importance of institutional contexts for the expression of discrimination tendencies. Gender discrimination exhibits nuanced variations, with Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom showing minimal gender bias, while Spain exhibits reverse gender discrimination, highlighting the complexity of gender dynamics. In addition, the study confirms the existence of discrimination against first- and second-generation immigrant candidates in all five European countries studied, emphasizing the initial hiring process's barriers for individuals with an ethnic background.

These findings underscore the need for tailored policies and interventions to combat discrimination and promote diversity and inclusion in the labor market.