The Economics of Race and Gender
A recent article in Slate Magazine takes another approach to the issues of race and gender. It’s not a new approach but one not yet articulated in previous posts on this blog about these issues. Rather than viewing these issues as strictly emploment or political issues, the article argues that it makes good economic sense for companies to have a diverse workforce.
In contending against the “stupidity of discrimination,” the author of the article says bluntly, “Employers who prefer not to employ workers because of their sex or the color of their skin are likely to lose money. Employing stupid white men when you could be employing smart black women is not a profitable human-resources policy.”
The author is sure that “amazing racism” exists in the workplace because of a recent “audit” performed by two economists who sent out 5,000 fake job applications with distinctively white and black names. According to the author, “Employers . . . systematically favored the Gregs and the Emilys over the LaTonyas and Jamals.”
Read the entire article and then do your own audit.
About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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About Larry Bridgesmith
While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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