Hiring bias: A vignette study on skin color and gender
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Abstract
This paper examines gender and skin-color biases in simulated hiring decisions among Mexican university students. Using a vignette study with 12 fictitious CVs (identical in skills but varying by gender/race), we test for discrimination in candidate selection and wage assignments for managerial, accounting, and cleaning roles. Results from chi-square tests and regression analysis reveal: (1) darker-skinned candidates are less likely to be selected for high-status roles (finance/accounting); (2) women and dark-skinned candidates receive significantly lower salary offers. Our findings highlight how stereotypes persist among future decision-makers, with implications for labor market inequalities.
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