Minorities and Endogenous Segregation

S-Tier
Journal: Review of Economic Studies
Year: 2006
Volume: 73
Issue: 1
Pages: 31-53

Score contribution per author:

8.043 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

A theoretical analysis is proposed of segregation as an equilibrium phenomenon in a random-matching model of the marriage market. Otherwise identical partners possess a pay-off-irrelevant characteristic, colour. We derive the set of colour-blind equilibria and show that they are generically constrained inefficient. Equilibrium segregation strategies are strategies that condition actions on the type of match. It is shown that distributions of types exist such that segregation equilibrium pay-offs Pareto dominate colour-blind pay-offs. For other distributions, segregation also generates conflict, where the majority unambiguously gains, while the minority group may lose. Giving preferential treatment, that is, minority bias, can increase overall welfare. Copyright 2006, Wiley-Blackwell.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:restud:v:73:y:2006:i:1:p:31-53
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-25