The Impact of Hispanic Last Names and Identity on Educational and Labor Market Outcomes

38 Pages Posted: 9 Sep 2023 Last revised: 29 Dec 2023

See all articles by Hussain Hadah

Hussain Hadah

Tulane University - Department of Economics; The Murphy Institute

Date Written: September 9, 2023

Abstract

Do individuals with Hispanic names face labor market discrimination? This study analyzes the impact of Hispanic-sounding surnames on wages among inter-ethnic children with one White and one Hispanic parent. I find that individuals with Hispanic surnames often earn less, with a notable wage gap favoring those with White surnames. People born to Hispanic fathers and White mothers receive 0.3 years of education less than those born to White fathers and Hispanic mothers. Males born to Hispanic fathers and White mothers earn 5 percentage points less than those born to White fathers and Hispanic mothers, largely due to educational differences. Additionally, men with Spanish-sounding last names who identify as Hispanic earn significantly less, again due to educational disparities. JEL: J71; J64; J15

Keywords: Economics of Minorities, Race, and Immigrants, Discrimination and Prejudice

Suggested Citation

Hadah, Hussain, The Impact of Hispanic Last Names and Identity on Educational and Labor Market Outcomes (September 9, 2023). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4566234 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4566234

Hussain Hadah (Contact Author)

Tulane University - Department of Economics ( email )

New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

The Murphy Institute ( email )

6823 St Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

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