Information Frictions and Gender Inequality in Online Labor Markets
Presented by:
Belinda Archibong
Department of Economics
Barnard College, Columbia University
Friday, November 17, 2023
12:00 pm-1:15 pm
Taylor-Hibbard Seminar Room (Rm103)
We study the effects of information frictions on gender gaps in matching and hiring in online labor markets. Administrative data from a large online job platform in Nigeria suggest significant gender differences in job applications, hiring and potential mismatch by gender. Women are less likely to apply to senior level jobs, despite being equally qualified for positions. Women are also less likely to be hired. We implement randomized experiments that provide information on these patterns, along with diversity encouragement information, separately, to applicants and hiring managers. The results so far demonstrate the importance of providing information to both sides of the online labor market and suggest that information can reduce gender gaps in employment by correcting misinformation among misinformed applicants and hiring managers.