Age Discrimination, an Audit Study: 2002-2003 in Boston, Massachusetts, and St. Petersburg, Florida

As baby boomers reach retirement age, demographic pressures on public programs may cause policy makers to cut benefits and encourage employment at later ages. But how much demand exists for older workers? This study focuses on a field experiment to determine hiring conditions for women ages 35 to 62 in entry-level or close to entry-level jobs in Boston, Massachusetts and St. Petersburg, Florida. Pairs of computer-randomized resumes were sent to employers in these two cities. Response rates were measured by age, as indicated on each resume by date of high school graduation. Applicants' working history, job choice, certifications, volunteer experience as well as their education and age have been evaluated in this study. Other questions focused on job advertisement and interviewing process.