Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Gender Differences in Reference Letters: Evidence from the Economics Job Market

Eberhardt, Markus; Facchini, Giovanni; Rueda, Valeria

Gender Differences in Reference Letters: Evidence from the Economics Job Market Thumbnail


Authors



Abstract

Academia, and economics in particular, faces increased scrutiny because of gender imbalance. This paper studies the job market for entry-level faculty positions. We employ machine learning methods to analyze gendered patterns in the text of 12,000 reference letters written in support of over 3,700 candidates. Using both supervised and unsupervised techniques, we document widespread differences in the attributes emphasized. Women are systematically more likely to be described using 'grindstone' terms and at times less likely to be praised for their ability. Using information on initial placement we highlight the implications of these gendered descriptors for the quality of academic placement.

Citation

Eberhardt, M., Facchini, G., & Rueda, V. (2023). Gender Differences in Reference Letters: Evidence from the Economics Job Market. Economic Journal, 133(655), 2676-2708. https://doi.org/10.1093/ej/uead045

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 13, 2023
Online Publication Date Jun 20, 2023
Publication Date 2023-10
Deposit Date Jun 16, 2023
Publicly Available Date Jun 21, 2023
Journal Economic Journal
Print ISSN 0013-0133
Electronic ISSN 1468-0297
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 133
Issue 655
Pages 2676-2708
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/ej/uead045
Keywords Role of Economics; Role of Economists; Market for Economists; Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/21917128
Publisher URL https://academic.oup.com/ej/article/133/655/2676/7204142

Files






You might also like



Downloadable Citations