In the framework of the 3E seminar series on the topic of Experiments, Ethics and Economics, Prof. Manu Munoz Herrera held the lecture “The relation of merit and identity on the take-up of opportunities: A field experiment” on 27 January 2023.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs are used to providing training and upskilling for individuals from disadvantaged social groups. As such, DEI programs play a crucial role in reducing inequality and strengthening the capabilities of those who take them. This paper studies how take-up rates for a DEI program change when individuals from different groups are informed they are offered a slot because of their group identity.
I conduct a field experiment by inviting 2560 high-performing university students to participate in a program developing personal and professional skills to better attain their goals. Selection is based on two criteria: merit (high GPA) and belonging to at least one potentially marginalized group. All targeted individuals know they are selected because of their merit, but only a random sample knows they are also chosen because of their identity. Results show that the relation of merit and identity impact social groups differently depending on gender and social class: females respond negatively and decrease take-up, middle class students are unaffected, and low-income students respond positively by increasing take-up.
The beliefs people hold about the ability members of a social group have to attain their goals is a potential mechanism explaining this behavior: the less able the more likely to benefit, and thus the more positively affected when revealed selection is contingent on group identity.