Beliefs about Gender

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Bordalo, Pedro; Coffman, Katherine; Gennaioli, Nicola; Shleifer, Andrei
• 署名单位: University of Oxford; Harvard University; Bocconi University; Bocconi University; Harvard University
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0002-8282
• DOI: 10.1257/aer.20170007
• 发表日期: 2019
• 页码: 739-773
• 关键词: stereotype threat; performance; compete; sex; overconfidence; accuracy; science; girls; women; boys

摘要

We conduct laboratory experiments that explore how gender stereotypes shape beliefs about ability of oneself and others in different categories of knowledge. The data reveal two patterns. First, men's and women's beliefs about both oneself and others exceed observed ability on average, particularly in difficult tasks. Second, overestimation of ability by both men and women varies across categories. To understand these patterns, we develop a model that separates gender stereotypes from misestimation of ability related to the difficulty of the task. We find that stereotypes contribute to gender gaps in self-confidence, assessments of others, and behavior in a cooperative game.