Publicly targeting disadvantaged groups triggers stigma and limits take-up of educational opportunities

Title: Publicly targeting disadvantaged groups triggers stigma and limits take-up of educational opportunities

Abstract: I investigate the unintended consequences of publicly informing individuals from disadvantaged groups that their selection for a beneficial opportunity, such as an educational program, is based on their group identity. In a field experiment in collaboration with a Colombian university, I target 4831 disadvantaged students and only disclose to some that they were invited to the program because of their demographics. I find a 27% decrease in program take-up and a 20% decrease in completion rates when this information is disclosed. These findings hold direct policy implications for effectively targeting disadvantaged groups without discouraging their take-up of beneficial opportunities.