Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2017
Abstract
This paper adds to the empirical evidence that criminal records are a barrier to employment. Using data from 2,655 online applications sent on behalf of fictitious male applicants, we show that employers are 60 percent more likely to call applicants that do not have a felony conviction. We further investigate whether this effect varies based on applicant race (black versus white), crime type (drug versus property crime), industry (restaurants versus retail), jurisdiction (New Jersey versus New York City), local crime rate, and local racial composition. Although magnitudes vary somewhat, in every subsample the conviction effect is large, significant, and negative.
Recommended Citation
Agan, Amanda, co-author. "The Effect of Criminal Records on Access to Employment." Starr, Sonja B., co-author. Am. Econ. Rev.: Papers & Proc. 107, no. 5 (2017): 560-64.
Included in
Civil Rights and Discrimination Commons, Law and Race Commons, Law and Society Commons, Law Enforcement and Corrections Commons