Discrimination thus tends to be economically detrimental not only to those who are discriminated against, but also to those who practice discrimination. Becker's Influence Gary Becker's analysis has often been controversial and hence, at the outset, met with scepticism and even distrust . Despite this, he was not discouraged, but persevered in developing his research, gradually gaining increasing acceptance among economists for his ideas and methods. A not insignificant influence may also be discerned in other social sciences. Various aspects of demography constitute one example, particularly in regard to fertility, parents' efforts to ensure their children's education and development, as well as inheritance.
Additional examples are research on discrimination in the labor market, and crime and punishment.