The Menstrual Cycle and Performance Feedback Alter Gender Differences in Competitive Choices

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Wozniak, David; Harbaugh, William T.; Mayr, Ulrich
• 署名单位: Eastern Michigan University; University of Oregon
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF LABOR ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0734-306X
• DOI: 10.1086/673324
• 发表日期: 2014
• 页码: 161-198
• 关键词: power motivation; sex-differences; risk-aversion; estrogen; women; testosterone; suppression; steroids; progesterone; estradiol

摘要

We use a within-subjects experiment with math and word tasks to show that relative performance feedback moves high-ability females toward more competitive forms of compensation, moves low-ability men toward less competitive forms, and eliminates gender differences in choices. We also examine females across the menstrual cycle and find that women in the high-hormone phase are more willing to compete than women in the low-hormone phase. There are no significant differences between choices after subjects receive feedback. Thus, biological differences lead to economically significant differences, but the impact of those differences can be lowered through relative performance information.