Homework Question on Racial Discrimination
- In the Bertrand and Mullainathan study of name-based discrimination, job applicants with “Black-sounding” names were granted interviews significantly fewer times than those with “White-sounding” names.
- Speculate on what might happen to a Black applicant who had a “White-sounding” name and was called for an interview.
- At what point(s) might prejudice eliminate the applicant from the selection process?
- What benefit(s) might accrue to such an applicant from being called for the interview?
- What are specific actions that organizations might do to reduce the likelihood of name-based discrimination in the selection process? How would they know if these steps were working?
- Your response must be at least 300 words in length.
Homework Answer on Racial Discrimination
Discrimination mostly based on races is a common factor that was most rampant in early days. It was and still is slightly experienced in offering of job opportunities. Job application and awarding is one such area adversely affected by racial discrimination rather than merit and competency. For instance, applicants for a job with ‘black sounding’ names are less likely to be considered for a job interview as compared to applicants with ‘white sounding’ names.
Additionally, in case a black applicant with ‘white sounding’ name is called for an interview, two scenarios might happen. One is that the applicant might be successful in that particular interview. However, it should be noted that there is low probability that they will get a job based on their race (Bertrand and Mullainathan, 2003). This will furthermore depend on the employer judgment, beliefs and what qualities and characteristics he/she was looking for.
At some point, prejudice might eliminate the applicant’s chances most notably based on their locality. This may be executed when the interviewer claim or conclude they are not interested in an employee from a certain locality. Furthermore, the color of one’s skin and extensively their physical appearance may influence the outcome in these interviews. If mostly their skin color does not match with that of the interviewer, the interviewee might be disadvantaged in that occasion.