The representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differences
<p>Intergroup inequality has been linked to differing norms of economic participation among groups. We present a theory of endogenous identity-specific norms in which the larger a group’s representation in an economic activity, the more the activity is deemed “normal” or “appropriate” for its...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Language: | English |
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Oxford University Press
2024
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| _version_ | 1824458938486095872 |
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| author | Carvalho, J-P Pradelski, BSR |
| author_facet | Carvalho, J-P Pradelski, BSR |
| author_sort | Carvalho, J-P |
| collection | OXFORD |
| description | <p>Intergroup inequality has been linked to differing norms of economic participation among groups. We present a theory of endogenous identity-specific norms in which the larger a group’s representation in an economic activity, the more the activity is deemed “normal” or “appropriate” for its members. This <em>representation dynamic</em> can arise from behavioral heuristics or be created by informational technologies such as generative artificial intelligence. Through it, the economic underrepresentation of a group becomes “normalized,” resulting in more severe inequality than in standard models. Equality of opportunity almost never results in equal outcomes, even when groups have the same productivity. Minorities and historically marginalized groups tend to be underrepresented. However, minorities with greater productivity and/or weaker group identification can become overrepresented, and even dominant. When there are multiple career stages, underrepresentation can escalate at senior levels long after “glass ceilings” have disappeared. Underrepresentation disappears as economic returns rise and/or group identification weakens.</p> |
| first_indexed | 2025-02-19T04:33:50Z |
| format | Journal article |
| id | oxford-uuid:ddd98576-8113-4872-8526-87440a47c034 |
| institution | University of Oxford |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2025-02-19T04:33:50Z |
| publishDate | 2024 |
| publisher | Oxford University Press |
| record_format | dspace |
| spelling | oxford-uuid:ddd98576-8113-4872-8526-87440a47c0342025-01-20T11:39:32ZThe representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differencesJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:ddd98576-8113-4872-8526-87440a47c034EnglishSymplectic ElementsOxford University Press2024Carvalho, J-PPradelski, BSR<p>Intergroup inequality has been linked to differing norms of economic participation among groups. We present a theory of endogenous identity-specific norms in which the larger a group’s representation in an economic activity, the more the activity is deemed “normal” or “appropriate” for its members. This <em>representation dynamic</em> can arise from behavioral heuristics or be created by informational technologies such as generative artificial intelligence. Through it, the economic underrepresentation of a group becomes “normalized,” resulting in more severe inequality than in standard models. Equality of opportunity almost never results in equal outcomes, even when groups have the same productivity. Minorities and historically marginalized groups tend to be underrepresented. However, minorities with greater productivity and/or weaker group identification can become overrepresented, and even dominant. When there are multiple career stages, underrepresentation can escalate at senior levels long after “glass ceilings” have disappeared. Underrepresentation disappears as economic returns rise and/or group identification weakens.</p> |
| spellingShingle | Carvalho, J-P Pradelski, BSR The representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differences |
| title | The representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differences |
| title_full | The representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differences |
| title_fullStr | The representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differences |
| title_full_unstemmed | The representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differences |
| title_short | The representation dynamic and the “normalization” of group differences |
| title_sort | representation dynamic and the normalization of group differences |
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