Events

Many group identities that influence economic behavior are imperfectly observed. Individuals and institutions often conceal identity markers to limit discrimination. Yet concealment also creates uncertainty about group membership, hampering coordination in social interaction. To study this tradeoff, we paired high- and low-caste men for collaborative data-entry work in North India. We randomly assigned each mixed-caste pair to either be: (i) introduced by full names, making caste common knowledge; (ii) introduced by first names only, making caste disclosure a choice; or (iii) instructed not to disclose caste. Relative to full-name introductions, first-name introductions reduce the accuracy of beliefs about a partner’s caste and confidence in those beliefs. They also weaken trust, willingness to interact, and perceived productivity. Explicit instructions not to disclose caste produce additional declines in some outcomes. Both conditions reduce participants’ ability to express their “true selves,” while greater confidence about a partner’s caste is associated with stronger workplace ties, suggesting that legible identities help participants navigate social interactions. Concealment leaves a sizable caste disparity in higherstatus role assignment intact. We conclude that where group identities are entrenched, reducing their legibility can undermine intergroup relations.