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on Minorities Research (Ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disabilities) |
| By: | Eric Brunner; Stephen Ross; Xinrui Wang |
| Abstract: | We examine pandemic related racial and ethnic disparities in test scores, absenteeism, and disciplinary incidents for K-12 students in the State of Connecticut through the 2024-25 school year. Notably, most existing pandemic studies only cover absenteeism through 2022-23, and minimal quantitative evidence exists on the post-pandemic incidence of student discipline related behaviors. Consistent with prior studies, we find persistent negative effects of the pandemic on test scores, as well as substantial disparities in test scores along racial and ethnic lines. For middle school, we also find persistent post-pandemic increases in both severe disciplinary incidents overall and racial and ethnic disparities in severe discipline incidents. However, we document substantial recovery in racial and ethnic disparities in attendance rates and chronic absenteeism by 2024-25. For all outcomes, most of the increases in disparities are associated with Black and Latinx students attending schools that had worse pre-pandemic outcomes and higher pre-pandemic shares of students who are either economically disadvantaged or face learning barriers. |
| JEL: | I21 J15 |
| Date: | 2026–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35409 |
| By: | Inés Berniell (CEDLAS-IIE-FCE-UNLP); Lucila Berniell (CEDLAS-IIE-FCE-UNLP & CEPE, SPD/SDV BID); Victoria Castillo (OEDE-Ministerio de Capital Humano); Belén Cañuelo (FCE-UNLP); Dolores de la Mata (CAF-banco de desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe); Gerardo Garcia Oro (Gobierno de la Provincia de Córdoba); Néstor Grión (Gobierno de la Provincia de Córdoba); Federico Juncosa (CAF-banco de desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe); Luis Laguinge (CEDLAS-IIE-FCE-UNLP) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impact of an internship program in Argentina (Programa Primer Paso) on the formal employment trajectories of People with Disabilities (PwD). Using administrative data from 2002–2023 and a staggered differencein-differences design, we estimate that program participation persistently increases formal employment and improves employment stability over time. On average, the probability of being formally employed rises by about 8 percentage points within three years after treatment, with the effect growing over time. The program also increases sustained employment—measured as at least six or twelve months of formal work per year—as well as the total number of months in formal jobs. Importantly, about three-quarters of the observed employment gains arise from jobs at firms other than the initial internship host, indicating broader integration into the formal labor market rather than the formalization of pre-existing ties. These results are robust to alternative specifications and pre-trend tests. The effects are larger for individuals residing in the capital city and for those placed in medium- and large-sized firms, while they are smaller for individuals with mental disabilities. No clear differences are found by age or gender. From the perspective of participating firms, we find no evidence of changes in their hiring behavior toward PwD after hosting a PPP intern with a disability. These findings suggest that internship programs can be an effective tool to reduce labor market gaps for people with disabilities in developing countries, with patterns consistent with the alleviation of informational frictions, the raising of expectations about employment prospects, and the acquisition of transferable skills. |
| JEL: | J14 J48 I38 O17 |
| Date: | 2026–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dls:wpaper:0376 |
| By: | Bartoš, Vojtěch; Glogowsky, Ulrich; Rincke, Johannes |
| Abstract: | We demonstrate that racial biases against tutors hinder learning. In e-learning experiments, U.S. conservatives are more likely to disregard advice from Black tutors, resulting in reduced performance compared to learners taught by white tutors. We show that the bias is unconscious and, consequently, does not skew tutor selection. In line with our theory, the bias disappears when the stakes are high. In contrast, liberals favor Black tutors without experiencing learning disparities. Methodologically, we contribute by using video post-production techniques to manipulate tutor race without introducing typical confounds. Additionally, we develop a novel two-stage design that simultaneously measures tutor selection, learning, and productivity. |
| Keywords: | Discrimination; Racial bias; Learning; Online experiment |
| JEL: | C90 D83 D91 J71 |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20945 |
| By: | Daniel S. Hamermesh |
| Abstract: | Using diaries covering 25-61-year-olds in the American Time Use Survey 2009-24, this study demonstrates that temporal variety—doing more different things in a day—is income superior. Linking these data to underlying Current Population Surveys, propensity-score models show that people stating that they have a mobility/physical disability in each of two consecutive annual surveys undertake almost 4 percent fewer activities per day than other, demographically identical individuals. They also earn about 50 percent less. Combining the estimated impact of income on temporal variety with the implied reductions in variety incurred by those with the disability yields a monetary equivalent of lost variety exceeding that of lost earnings. Measuring disability status only once yields much smaller estimated shortfalls in temporal variety and earnings. That suggests that one-time self-reports of disabilities, which underlie the bulk of studies on the impacts of disabilities on earnings, also underestimate long-term effects. |
| JEL: | J22 K13 |
| Date: | 2026–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35417 |
| By: | d’Este, Rocco; Yuchtman, Noam |
| Abstract: | We provide evidence that the passage of “DNA laws†streamlining access to forensic DNA technology was a watershed in the exoneration of Black Americans. Exploiting staggered adoption across states, we find that DNA laws increased exonerations of wrongfully convicted Black individuals serving life sentences for sexual offenses by nearly 200%, freeing over 50 individuals — plausibly over 10% of the wrongfully convicted — and saving nearly 900 years of prison time. Our findings suggest that DNA laws redressed longstanding inequalities in access to other exoneration pathways. More generally, changes on multiple margins (technological and legal) may be necessary to reduce racial disparities. |
| Keywords: | Racial inequality |
| JEL: | K40 J15 D63 |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21309 |
| By: | Janet Currie; N. Meltem Daysal; Mette Gørtz; Jonas Hirani; Jonathan Zhang |
| Abstract: | We ask how a younger sibling’s physical disability affects sibling mental health using Danish register data on families with three or more children. Difference-in-difference models compare first- and second-born children when the third-born does or does not have a disability. Use of mental health services increases 13% among second-born children, with a 23% increase in psychiatric visits and an 18% increase in use of psychiatric medications. Effects are concentrated in households where the mother has less than high school and persist after conditioning on child test scores. Parental responses suggest that caregiving demands, stress, and strained resources are potential mechanisms. |
| Keywords: | disability, mental health, siblings, children |
| JEL: | I14 |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12802 |
| By: | Matthew Hall; Giulia Olivero |
| Abstract: | Residential mobility is a critical aspect of immigrant incorporation, shaping not only access to schools, jobs and safer neighborhoods, but also influencing long-term prospects for upward mobility and social integration. However, existing research on residential mobility remains limited by data constraints, particularly the lack of sufficiently large samples to track moves among smaller racial and nativity groups. In this work, we address these limitations by using data from the Survey of Income and program Participation (SIPP) from 1996 to 2023 to examine differences in residential mobility patterns across racial and nativity groups. |
| Keywords: | SIPP |
| Date: | 2026–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cen:tnotes:26-15 |
| By: | Crosignani, Matteo; Le, Hanh |
| Abstract: | We document large and persistent cross-sectional differences in banks’ propensity to lend to minorities based on bank stakeholders’ aversion to inequality. Using mortgage application data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, we show that banks with more inequality-averse stakeholders are more likely to approve applications in high-minority relative to low-minority areas and, within census tracts, from non-white borrowers relative to white borrowers. These differences (i) are not driven by applicant selection or loan officer assignment, (ii) coincide with stakeholder alignment, reflected in depositor retention and disclosure of initiatives for underserved communities, and (iii) do not predict worse ex-post loan performance. |
| JEL: | G21 J15 E51 |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21283 |
| By: | Andreas Haller; Stefan Staubli |
| Abstract: | The central trade-off for designing Disability Insurance (DI) is between providing insurance to those in need while maintaining incentives to work. This paper develops a novel revealed-preference approach to identify the insurance value of DI benefits. We show that comparing the DI take-up response to a change in benefits versus a change in wages identifies the insurance value. Implementing our framework in Canada, we estimate that increasing DI benefits by $1 creates an additional disincentive cost of $0.60 but creates an insurance value of $2.20. Thus, our approach suggests that DI benefits are not overly generous in the Canadian context. |
| Keywords: | disability insurance, take-up, benefits, policy reform |
| JEL: | H53 H55 J14 J21 |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12790 |
| By: | Edmans, Alex |
| Abstract: | Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is one of the most polarizing issues in business and society. Advocates claim that DEI enhances fairness, while critics argue it undermines meritocracy. The problems stem from the practice of DEI – reducing it to demographic diversity – rather than its principle. This paper proposes an alternative framework, Potential, Synergy, and Inclusion, that preserves DEI’s objectives while addressing its weaknesses. Potential emphasizes recruiting individuals for their capacity to create future value rather than past achievements. Demographics can be informative about an applicant’s trajectory, but many other aspects of their background are also relevant. Synergy focuses on building teams with complementary skills and perspectives. One such synergy arises from cognitive diversity, for which demographics are only a partial source. Inclusion enables employees to voice ideas, challenge norms, and overcome structural frictions. While DEI is viewed as advancing only minority groups and primarily aligned with one side of the political spectrum, the proposed approach seeks to grow the pie for the benefit of all. |
| Keywords: | ESG |
| JEL: | G12 G32 J53 J71 J81 |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20914 |
| By: | Allouard, Hugo; Cecere, Grazia; De Sousa, Jose; Marie, Olivier; Picard, Ines |
| Abstract: | We study how the expansion of gig job opportunities affects local labor markets and crime in France. Food delivery platforms create flexible and low-barrier jobs that attract young and minority workers from disadvantaged areas, who have limited opportunities in the traditional labor market. Using staggered difference-in-differences, we show that platform entry substantially increases rider registrations and raises labor-market participation among male migrants. We also find sizable declines in violent offenses, petty theft, vandalism, and drug crimes, consistent with increased opportunity costs of crime and reduced unstructured time among high-risk individuals. Exploiting the legal minimum age of 18 for delivery work, an age-eligibility test shows that crime reductions are concentrated among those able to take up platform jobs. These results indicate that gig jobs can expand access to legal income for marginalized groups by reducing entry barriers, with associated declines in local crime. |
| Keywords: | Gig economy; Crime; Labor markets; Digital platforms |
| JEL: | J68 K42 L68 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21089 |
| By: | Imasaki, Tsunehide; Okamoto, Hisashi |
| Abstract: | This study empirically examines how access to disaster information affects disaster preparedness behavior among foreign residents in Japan. Using microdata from surveys of foreign residents conducted in 2020 and 2022, we analyze whether difficulties in understanding disaster-related information influence individuals’ preparedness actions. To address potential endogeneity in information access, we exploit regional variation in multilingual disaster information infrastructure across local governments. Specifically, we construct an index capturing the availability of multilingual disaster information on municipal websites using archival data from the Wayback Machine and employ this index as an instrumental variable. The empirical results indicate that better multilingual disaster information infrastructure significantly reduces the probability that foreign residents report being unable to understand disaster-related information. Instrumental variable estimates further suggest that limited access to disaster information is associated with significantly lower levels of disaster preparedness. These effects appear particularly strong among foreign residents who have recently arrived in Japan. The findings highlight the importance of information accessibility in disaster preparedness and suggest that multilingual disaster information policies may play an important role in improving disaster resilience among linguistic minorities. |
| Keywords: | Disaster information, Migrants, Multilingual policy, Disaster preparedness, Information access, Japan |
| JEL: | D83 H84 J15 R58 |
| Date: | 2026–03–26 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:128467 |
| By: | Bazzi, Samuel |
| Abstract: | Building a cohesive nation-state amid deep ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity is a central challenge for many governments. This paper examines the process of nation building, drawing lessons from the remarkable experience of Indonesia over the past century. I discuss conceptual perspectives on nation building and review Indonesia's historical nation-building trajectory. I then synthesize insights from four studies exploring distinct policy interventions in Indonesia — population resettlement, administrative unit proliferation, land reform, and mass schooling — to understand their effects on social cohesion and national integration. Together, these cases underscore the promise and pitfalls of nation-building efforts in diverse societies, offering guidance for future research and policymaking to support these endeavors in Indonesia and beyond. |
| Keywords: | Development; Diversity; Identity; Religion |
| JEL: | D74 H77 O15 O43 P48 Z13 |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20897 |
| By: | Arthi, Vellore; Richardson, Gary; Van Orden, Mark |
| Abstract: | From 1900 to 1940, ordinary working- and middle-class families saved for retirement and contingencies via ordinary life insurance policies. These policies combined insurance and savings in a single financial instrument that paid its face value to insured individuals who survived until maturity and to beneficiaries if the insured died before the maturity date. The popularity of these policies peaked before WWII when a substantial share of all households and most of the middle class invested in them. This paper explains why these policies were the most popular savings vehicle of their day. Ordinary life policies were well suited to the early twentieth-century economic environment. They had good returns; low risks; tax advantages; and little correlation with returns of competing investments, like bank deposits, building and loan shares, postal savings deposits, real estate, or stocks. The policies protected households from poverty in old age, from the premature death of their breadwinner, and from other risks including disability and deflation. Understanding how households saved in the past has implications for a wide range of literatures in the social sciences. |
| JEL: | N21 N22 N31 N32 G22 G51 G52 J32 |
| Date: | 2025–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20779 |
| By: | Edith Archambault (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Murat Cizakça (KTO - Karatay University) |
| Abstract: | The political, legal and economic frameworks for philanthropy at the age of the Enlightenment are examined in some European countries : Great Britain and France, the two main rivals for hegemony, then some less populated and more decentralised European countries, Netherlands, the rising Prussia in Germany, Italy and Spain. Then the religious framework for philanthropy is isolated : There is a huge contrast between Protestant and Catholic countries, the former being more tolerant towards religious minorities and the latter being more marked by the Counter-Reformation and its intolerance. The case of France is specific since its desire to eliminate the institutions of the Ancien Régime , including religion, is at the origin of the most repressive regime towards associations during the nineteenth century. Therefore we observe a progressive modernization and secularisation of the frameworks for philanthropy in most European countries contrasting with a tabula rasa in France through the 1789 Revolution. In the last part of this chapter, our focus will shift to a very different yet adjacent civilization, that of Islam, with particular emphasis on how philanthropic institutions emerged and evolved under different belief systems. |
| Keywords: | Philanthropy, associations, foundations, wakf, Great Britain, France, Germany, Netherland, Ottoman Empires, Age of Enlightenment |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-05652836 |
| By: | Dan Cao; Henry Hyatt; Toshihiko Mukoyama; Erick Sager |
| Abstract: | Since the 1990s, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported much more rapid growth in U.S. private sector employer establishments than has the Census Bureau – the gap reached roughly 1.6 million by 2023. Using linked BLS-Census microdata, we document two main drivers. First, a large and growing number of employers providing services to the elderly and persons with disabilities are in scope for the BLS frame but not the Census Bureau’s. Second, many firms appear with substantially more establishments in the BLS frame. These discrepancies substantially affect the measured establishment size distribution and quantitative policy analysis. |
| Keywords: | establishments; multi-unit firms; concentration |
| JEL: | E24 J21 L11 O31 |
| Date: | 2026–06–22 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedgfe:103440 |