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On the robustness of gender differences in economic behavior
Helena Fornwagner1, Brit Grosskopf1, Alexander Lauf2
1Department of Economics, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4PU, United Kingdom.
Scientific Reports
|December 15, 2022
Summary
This study on economic behavior found that neither gender nor biological sex significantly influences competitiveness, risk-taking, or altruism. Priming gender identity also had minimal impact on decisions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Social Psychology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Economic decision-making is influenced by various factors, with gender often cited as a significant one.
- Distinguishing between the effects of gender identity and biological sex on behavior remains a key research question.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlational differences between gender and sex in economic behaviors like competitiveness, risk-taking, and altruism.
- To examine the causal effects of gender identity priming on decision-making.
- To determine the extent to which gender and sex influence economic behavior.
Main Methods:
- An experimental online study was conducted with cisgender and transgender participants.
- Participants' decisions regarding competitiveness, risk-taking, and altruism were compared across different gender and sex groups.
- A priming experiment manipulated participants' gender identity (masculine or feminine) to assess causal effects.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 780 observations revealed no decisive role for gender or biological sex in economic decision-making.
- Correlational differences between gender and sex for the studied behaviors were not significant.
- Gender identity priming did not substantially alter participants' behavior.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that gender and biological sex are less influential on economic behavior than previously assumed.
- Behavioral economics research should consider a broader range of factors beyond gender and sex.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex determinants of economic decision-making.
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