The Determinants of Perceived Underpayment: The Role of Racial Comparisons

Abstract

Using a sample of young employed physicians, the determinants of perceived underpayment are examined for both white and minority workers. The examination confirms the importance of earnings comparisons within racial groups but also finds a substantial role for comparisons between racial groups. Workers apparently perceive racial earnings differences (as measured by economists) and build them into an assessment of the fairness of their labor market treatment. This finding emerges for both whites and minorities and occurs in a sample in which the pattern of earnings indicates a modest minority earnings premium.