The Impact of Age on Nationality Bias: Evidence from Ski Jumping

Abstract

This empirical research explores the impact of age on nationality bias. World Cup competition data suggest that judges of professional ski jumping competitions prefer jumpers of their own nationality and exhibit this preference by rewarding them with better marks. Furthermore, the current study reveals that this nationality bias is diminished among younger judges, in accordance with the reported lower levels of national discrimination among younger generations. Globalisation and its effect in reducing class-based thinking may explain this reduced bias in judgment of others.