The economic consequences of being left-handed: Some sinister results

Kevin Denny, Vincent O'Sullivan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper estimates the effects of handedness on earnings. Augmenting a conventional earnings equation with an indicator of left-handedness shows there is a positive effect on male earnings with manual workers enjoying a slightly larger premium. These results are inconsistent with the view that left-handers in general are handicapped either innately or through experiencing a world geared toward right-handers. Left-handed females however are paid significantly less. The results are consistent with a range of mostly psychological evidence, which suggests that left-hander males have particular talents such as enhanced creativity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-374
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Human Resources
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

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