Episode 121: Peter Blair on occupational licenses as information about criminal records

Episode 121: Peter Blair on occupational licenses as information about criminal records

From Probable Causation by Jennifer Doleac

November 18, 2025 · 44 min · Episode 163

About this episode

Peter Blair discusses the role of occupational licenses as indicators of criminal records in the job market.

Peter Blair talks about occupational licenses as information about criminal records. “Job Market Signaling through Occupational Licensing” by Peter Q. Blair and Bobby W. Chung. OTHER RESEARCH WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE: “The Prevalence and Effects of Occupational Licensing" by Morris M. Kleiner and Alan B. Krueger. “Analyzing the Extent and Influence of Occupational Licensing on the Labor Market" by Morris M. Kleiner and Alan B. Krueger. “A Welfare Analysis of Occupational Licensing in U.S. States" by Morris M. Kleiner and Evan J. Soltas. “How Much of Barrier to Entry is Occupational Licensing?” by Peter Q. Blair and Bobby W. Chung. “The unintended consequences of 'ban the box': Statistical discrimination and employment outcomes when criminal histories are hidden" by Jennifer L. Doleac and Benjamin Hansen. “Does Job Testing Harm Minority Workers? Evidence from Retail Establishments" by David H. Autor and David Scarborough. “Job Market Signaling" by Michael Spence.

People in this episode

Guest: Peter Blair

Topics covered

  • occupational licenses
  • criminal records
  • job market signaling
  • labor market
  • employment outcomes

Keywords

  • job market
  • signaling theory
  • licensing effects
  • discrimination
  • employment

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Job Market Signaling through Occupational Licensing, The Prevalence and Effects of Occupational Licensing, Analyzing the Extent and Influence of Occupational Licensing on the Labor Market, A Welfare Analysis of Occupational Licensing in U.S. States, How Much of Barrier to Entry is Occupational Licensing?, The unintended consequences of 'ban the box', Does Job Testing Harm Minority Workers?, Job Market Signaling

Books & works: “Job Market Signaling through Occupational Licensing, “The Prevalence and Effects of Occupational Licensing, Analyzing the Extent and Influence of Occupational Licensing on the Labor Market, A Welfare Analysis of Occupational Licensing in U.S. States

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