Testing the Russian Labour Market for Heterocentrism in Hiring: Evidence from a Correspondence Study

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBT) workers represent the least studied minority group in terms of discrimination on the labour market. Limited research on the topic has consistently found discrimination of such individuals to exist in all stages of their employment, owing to the heterocentric cultural and political context of the modern society. This study attempts to measure the effect of discrimination of homosexual men on the Russian labour market in hiring. Estimations are done using the correspondence study method which involves a controlled experiment and regression analysis. Sufficient findings suggest that discrimination in hiring of homosexuals on the Russian labour market is existent and is expressed by 24.1% decrease in probability of being invited to a job interview for homosexual candidates in comparison with heterosexual candidates. The research also proposes that there are no significant differences in starting wages offered by discriminatory and non-discriminatory employers, yet there are cases of homosexual candidates being offered lower pay.