Masculinity Around the World

Ralph De Haas, Victoria Baranov, Ieda Matavelli and Pauline Grosjean

No 19493, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: We examine the role of masculinity norms --- social norms about how men should behave --- in shaping economic, health, and political outcomes. We collected new evidence from nationally representative face-to-face and online surveys of 125,000 individuals across 70 countries. Economically, men who adhere more strictly to masculinity norms supply more labor, are more competitive, and sort into traditionally masculine occupations. In terms of health, they take greater risks and report poorer mental health. Politically, they express stronger support for anti-democratic values. These patterns have substantial implications for gender inequalities: differences between men and women in adherence to masculinity norms explain 20–57% of the gender gaps in competitiveness, willingness to work longer hours, risk aversion, and support for liberal democracy. Investigating origins, we provide evidence linking masculinity norms to individuals' early-life exposure to conflict

JEL-codes: D91 I12 J16 J24 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-09
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