Language and urban labor market segmentation: Theory and evidence

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Urban Economics
Year: 2013
Volume: 74
Issue: C
Pages: 27-46

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

I propose a language theory of labor market segmentation. People of different language origins form separate urban labor submarkets and can switch between submarkets. Two types of wage differentials emerge, namely the Within-Labor-Market Wage Gap and the Within-Language-Group Wage Gap. The average wage in each market and a worker’s choice of the labor market depend on the population sizes of the relevant groups. These implications are tested using the 2001 Census of Canada Public Use Microdata. A unique feature of these data is the reported work language, which helps me to identify labor market segments. The empirical evidence supports my theory.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:juecon:v:74:y:2013:i:c:p:27-46
Journal Field
Urban
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-25