Racial wage differentials in developed countries Updated

The variation of racial wage gaps across and within groups requires differing policy solutions

University of Reading, UK, and IZA, Germany

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Elevator pitch

In many developed countries, racial and ethnic minorities are paid, on average, less than the native white majority. While racial wage differentials are partly the result of immigration, they also persist for racial minorities of second and further generations. Eliminating racial wage differentials and promoting equal opportunities among citizens with different racial backgrounds is an important social policy goal. Inequalities resulting from differences in opportunities lead to a waste of talent for those who cannot reach their potential and to a waste of resources if some people cannot contribute fully to society.

Racial wage differentials differ across
                        minorities, UK (1993–2007)

Key findings

Pros

Racial wage differentials can be observed even in the absence of wage discrimination.

Racial wage differentials are often the result of differences in individual characteristics (such as education or experience) or of segregation into low-paid jobs.

Racial wage differentials vary substantially not only between, but also within racial groups, e.g. across generations and between men and women.

Since there are various sources of racial wage differentials, policies need to address more than one source of inequality.

Cons

For some racial groups, sample sizes are too small to permit separate empirical analyses.

Lack of empirical evidence for some racial minorities can make it more difficult to identify targeted policies.

A lack of targeted policies can leave some racial minorities behind and experiencing persistent inequality.

It may be difficult for the public to accept policies that are targeted toward some racial minorities but not to others.

Author's main message

Racial wage differentials can be apparent even in the absence of wage discrimination, since minority groups segregate in poorly paid occupations and lack career progression. Policy should hence be based on a better understanding of what characteristics and situations prevent racial minorities from moving into better jobs. There are also important differences between and within minorities, with some experiencing large wage penalties and others being paid better than white natives. Policy should therefore move away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach and instead target, where possible, specific issues affecting specific minorities.

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