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

This paper provides the first estimates of the effects of handedness on hourly earnings. Augmenting a conventional earnings equation with an indicator of left handedness shows there is a well determined positive effect on male earnings with non-manual workers enjoying a slightly larger premium. These results are inconsistent with the view that lefthanders in general are in some sense handicapped either innately or through experiencing a world geared towards right-handers. It is consistent with some psychological evidence which suggests that lefthanders have particular talents such as enhanced creativity. The results for females however reveal the opposite, left-handed females are paid significantly less.