Female and male role models and competitiveness

Uta K. Schier

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 2020, vol. 173, issue C, 55-67

Abstract: We investigate how role models affect the competitiveness of men and women. A strand of experimental literature shows that women shy away from competition. In a laboratory experiment, we test how observing an outstanding woman or man competing and succeeding (a female or a male role model) affects women's and men's competitiveness. We find that women's competitiveness increases after observing a female or male role model, while men's competitiveness is not affected. In addition, we find that a female role model raises women's self-confidence.

Keywords: Role model; Competition; Belief updating; Gender (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C91 D83 J16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:173:y:2020:i:c:p:55-67

DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2020.03.001

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