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Cancelling out early age gender differences in competition: an analysis of policy interventions

Author

Listed:
  • Matthias Sutter

    (University of Cologne
    University of Innsbruck)

  • Daniela Glätzle-Rützler

    (University of Innsbruck)

  • Loukas Balafoutas

    (University of Innsbruck)

  • Simon Czermak

    (Management Center Innsbruck)

Abstract

We study the willingness to compete of 588 children and teenagers aged ten to seventeen. We replicate the gender difference in tournament entry choices usually found in the literature for adults. We then show that policy interventions like quotas and preferential treatment help to close down the gender gap without leading to losses in efficiency, during or after a tournament. Given that differences in competitive behavior are prevalent from an early age, the application of interventions to promote females in competitions may be desirable already at early ages to promote equal chances for women on labor markets later on.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Sutter & Daniela Glätzle-Rützler & Loukas Balafoutas & Simon Czermak, 2016. "Cancelling out early age gender differences in competition: an analysis of policy interventions," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 19(2), pages 412-432, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:19:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s10683-015-9447-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-015-9447-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Tournaments; Gender gap; Affirmative action; Experiment; Children;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D04 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Policy: Formulation; Implementation; Evaluation

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