Journal Publication

How You Can Work to Increase the Presence and Improve the Experience of Black, Latinx, and Native American People in the Economics Profession

Published: July 2020

Researchers found themes such as bias, hostile climate, and lack of good mentoring in their surveys and interviews with Black, Latinx, and Native American people and identified action steps for increasing the presence and improving the work life of underrepresented minorities in the economics profession.

With an eye toward increasing diversity and retention of underrepresented communities in the field of economics, researchers sought out opinions and insights from Black, Latinx, and Native American people at various stages in their careers in economics -- including having left the profession. Survey and interview results showed consistent themes, including bias, hostile climate, and the lack of information and good mentoring. Insights from these results also pointed toward specific actions one can take to encourage and grow the pipeline of underrepresented communities in economics, as well as foster a positive environment for those communities.

Abstract and Citation

Bayer, Amanda, Gary A. Hoover, and Ebonya Washington. 2020. "How You Can Work to Increase the Presence and Improve the Experience of Black, Latinx, and Native American People in the Economics Profession." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 34 (3): 193-219.

Abstract

Recently in economics there has been discussion of how to increase diversity in the profession and how to improve the work life of diverse peoples. We conducted surveys and interviews with Black, Latinx and Native American people. These groups have long been underrepresented in the economics profession. Participants were at various stages along the economics career trajectory, or on the trajectory no longer, and used their lived experience to reflect on what helps and hurts underrepresented minorities in economics. We heard a few consistent themes: bias, hostile climate, and the lack of information and good mentoring among them. Respondents' insights and experience point toward action steps that you can take today to increase the presence and improve the work life of underrepresented minorities in the economics profession.

Publication Link

https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/jep.34.3.193

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