Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP18084
Authors: Stephane Wolton
Abstract: From the bottom to the top of society, many white men are angry. This note provides a reputational-based rationale for this anger. Individuals care about their social status (elite vs non-elite) and their reputation (others' perception of their ability). Citizens are also uncertain about of how one becomes a member of the elite. When new information reveal that the elite is biased in favor of white men, the reputation of all white men decreases causing a payoff loss. In contrast, policies meant to reduce inequalities in the access to the elite can be supported by some white men and opposed by some individuals from the other groups. I briefly discuss how to interpret reactions to recent events (such as #Metoo and Black Lives Matter) in light of these results.
Keywords: discrimination; bias
JEL Codes: D80; J70; Z13
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| new information about elite membership criteria (D71) | reputation of white men (J79) |
| reputation of white men (J79) | loss in payoffs (G35) |
| implementation of policies to reduce inequalities (I14) | differing reactions among white men (J79) |
| anger among white men (J79) | status loss (J62) |
| anger among white men (J79) | opportunity loss (D61) |
| changes in social discourse (Z13) | reputational implications for white men (J79) |
| reputational dynamics (D83) | unification within identity group (D70) |
| reputational dynamics (D83) | polarization against other groups (J15) |