Pakistani in the UK and Norway: different contexts, similar disadvantage. Results from a comparative field experiment on hiring discrimination

Abstract

Experimental research on ethnic discrimination in labour markets is often concerned with individual-level mechanisms. Structural macro-level drivers of discrimination, however, are more difficult to address. We present the results of a harmonised correspondence test conducted in Norway and the UK, two contexts that differ significantly along several dimensions expected to matter for the prevalence of ethnic discrimination. We focus on discrimination towards a particular minority group that holds a socio-economically disadvantaged position in both national contexts: Pakistani migrants and their descendants. Based on differences in labour market flexibility and anti-discrimination policies, we expect there a lower level of discrimination than in Norway. In addition, colonial ties and a longer history of immigration in Britain could potentially reduce discriminatory behaviour towards ethnic minorities in general. We show that in both countries Pakistani applicants receive significantly fewer positive responses from employers than the majority group. In line with expectations, discrimination is more severe in Norway, although this cross-national difference is only statistically significant when using a strict definition of positive callbacks. More nuanced analyses reveal an additional negative effect of disclosing one’s affiliation to Islam, which further reduces the likelihood of Pakistani applicants to receive a callback in Norway.