DISCEFRN - Does standardization matter?

Project summary

This project will evaluate if the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is used to standardize host country language requirements for different professions throughout Europe, can be used to reduce language-related hiring discrimination against immigrants. Based on a design that combines real-world variation in the inclusion of CEFR requirements in job ads with a factorial survey experiment and in-depth interviews among employers, the project will address two main objectives: 1) Examining if the inclusion of CEFR requirements reduces differential treatment of immigrant applicants on aggregate and identifying labour market areas and ethnic groups that may benefit most from the introduction of CEFR requirements 2) Assessing the current implementation of CEFR requirements in relation to uninformed or inadequate use and developing suggestions for modifications of the current implementation scheme.