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Ethnic Diversity in Compulsory Schooling and Occupational Choices: Can Diversity Increase the Supply in Care‐Oriented Occupations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT We investigate the effect of ethnic diversity on occupational choices, particularly in care‐oriented occupations which are scarce in many high‐income countries. We use administrative data of all students in Switzerland to study two diversity dimensions: ethnic fractionalization and ethnic polarization. We exploit variation across school cohorts to identify causal effects. We find opposing effects: ethnic fractionalization increases care‐oriented occupations, while ethnic polarization reduces them. One mechanism could be that ethnic fractionalization enhances social skills and thereby the benefits of choosing care‐oriented occupations. Thus, not only is the share of nonnative peers in schools important, but also the overall ethnic composition.

Source: Industrial Relations A Journal of Economy and Society

DOI: 10.1111/irel.70011

Authors: Damiano Pregaldini, Simone Balestra, Uschi Backes‐Gellner

Institutions: University of Zurich, University of St.Gallen

Language: English

Topic: Names, Identity, and Discrimination Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,470