4 ms·

How did they actually test this? Without details, there is no new information. As well, do we know that there are no confounding variables in these findings?

How did they actually test this? Without details, there is no new information. As well, do we know that there are no confounding variables in these findings? As a hypothetical employer I might think these roles are lesser roles, so if you are older I would wonder why you had not been able to secure a greater economic situation. Second, as consumer facing roles, attractiveness is a benefit, with those over 40 having less of it. It is not discrimination on the basis of age, but attractiveness that would be the cause.

SOLAR_FIELDS 9y ago
This is a tough one, because it's rooted in reason. The employer asks themselves "This guy is applying for an entry-level or junior role at a very senior age, why are they doing so? I must be on guard for potential problems because if this guy is still applying for these kinds of roles at this age there must be something wrong with him/her". The worst part about this is that it's somewhat rooted in truth in a lot of cases - but it shouldn't be a preclusion to an interview at least. I try to view things as objectively as possible and give objective examinations to avoid this kind of bias. With consumer-facing roles, I think that is an acceptable bias to have. After all, the courts have ruled that Hooters can discriminate on basis of gender for their consumer facing roles (not back end such as chefs though). For joe schmoe engineer that only writes code and rarely/never talks to the end user though there is no excuse.
- Broken_Hippo 9y ago
  I don't agree that most consumer-facing roles should be able to discriminate in such a way. Does it matter if your wal-mart cashier is older or younger in the same manner that it does at Hooters - or any other establishment that is based on looking at people? I'd argue not. Hooters - and modeling agencies, nudie bars, and so on - actually have a business based on how their employees look. Stores, offices, and so on? The truth is that it doesn't matter. Unlike Hooters, they wouldn't lose a large base of their customers.

SOLAR_FIELDS 9y ago

This is a tough one, because it's rooted in reason. The employer asks themselves "This guy is applying for an entry-level or junior role at a very senior age, why are they doing so? I must be on guard for potential problems because if this guy is still applying for these kinds of roles at this age there must be something wrong with him/her". The worst part about this is that it's somewhat rooted in truth in a lot of cases - but it shouldn't be a preclusion to an interview at least. I try to view things as objectively as possible and give objective examinations to avoid this kind of bias. With consumer-facing roles, I think that is an acceptable bias to have. After all, the courts have ruled that Hooters can discriminate on basis of gender for their consumer facing roles (not back end such as chefs though). For joe schmoe engineer that only writes code and rarely/never talks to the end user though there is no excuse.

Broken_Hippo 9y ago
I don't agree that most consumer-facing roles should be able to discriminate in such a way. Does it matter if your wal-mart cashier is older or younger in the same manner that it does at Hooters - or any other establishment that is based on looking at people? I'd argue not. Hooters - and modeling agencies, nudie bars, and so on - actually have a business based on how their employees look. Stores, offices, and so on? The truth is that it doesn't matter. Unlike Hooters, they wouldn't lose a large base of their customers.