“GOOD-LOOKING”: PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION IN LATIN AMERICA, THE ECUADORIAN CASE.

Abstract

This paper explores a relationship between job discrimination and physical attractiveness on jobs seekers in the main cities of Ecuador (Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca). Following the experimental methodology called Audit Study, several resumes of people were sent to potential employers with the same work and academic backgrounds except for their photographs, which received a qualification of physical attractiveness -determined as such by panel of independent auditors-. The objective is to measure changes in response rates. According to results, employers in Ecuador value applicants more according to their physical attractiveness rather than their skills or academic background for a job, which can carry consequences in terms of efficiency and productivity.