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Wage differentials between college graduates with and without learning disabilities.
David L Dickinson1, Roelant L Verbeek
1Utah State University, Department of Economics, Logan 84322-2530, USA.
Journal of Learning Disabilities
|October 20, 2004
Summary
This study reveals that lower wages for adults with learning disabilities (LD) are primarily due to productivity differences, not discrimination. However, a small unexplained wage gap suggests potential discrimination against individuals with LD.
Area of Science:
- Economics
- Labor Economics
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Wage differential research often overlooks individuals with learning disabilities (LD).
- Legislation protects individuals with LD, yet wage gaps persist.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding wage differentials for adults with LD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decompose wage differentials between adults with and without learning disabilities (LD).
- To investigate the factors contributing to wage gaps for individuals with LD.
- To explore potential wage discrimination against adults with LD.
Main Methods:
- Construction of an original dataset of college graduates with documented LD.
- Comparison of individuals with LD to a control group from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY).
- Analysis of wage differentials, productivity characteristics, and employer awareness of LD.
Main Results:
- Most of the wage gap for individuals with LD is attributable to differences in productivity characteristics.
- An unexplained portion of the wage gap suggests potential wage discrimination.
- Employers aware of an employee's LD did not significantly lower wages, reducing discrimination concerns.
Conclusions:
- Productivity differences explain a significant portion of the wage gap for adults with LD.
- While discrimination is a possibility, evidence suggests it is not the primary driver.
- Further research is needed to fully understand wage differentials and potential discrimination for individuals with LD.