In Sweden, women’s résumés received more responses
With fictional profiles, the advantage was greater in jobs where women were the majority. No difference was seen in male-majority or mixed jobs.
The key idea
In the Swedish data, female profiles had an advantage in initial responses, especially in fields with a majority of women.
The study, in plain language
The team combined three experiments with fictional job applications sent to real Swedish vacancies. The gender indicated on each profile was changed, allowing comparison of who received an initial response in occupations with different gender compositions.
Overall, female profiles received more positive responses. In occupations with a majority of women, the difference was greater: male profiles had about half the probability of receiving a positive response. No difference was detected in male-majority or mixed occupations. The first screening stage depended on the field.
What they found
- Across all occupations, female profiles received more positive responses than male profiles.
- In occupations with a majority of women, male profiles were about half as likely to receive a response.
- No differences were detected in male-majority or mixed occupations.
Something to think about
Think about the field where you work: who is in the majority? In these Swedish data, response differences varied with that composition.
How they studied it
The team combined three correspondence experiments, meaning fictional applications sent to real openings: more than 3,200 applications across 15 occupations in Sweden. Researchers recorded each employer’s first response.
What the study cannot show
- The study measures only the first stage; it does not observe interviews, offers, or hires.
- It does not establish each employer’s motivation or represent all occupations or countries.
The original study
Gender discrimination in hiring: An experimental reexamination of the Swedish case
Source under CC BY 4.0. English adaptation and explanation by PaperFlow, with AI assistance. The text has been reorganized for a general audience; it is not the complete paper and does not imply endorsement by its authors.
One study alone does not represent a field's consensus. Educational content does not replace professional advice. Report a possible error.
