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Social identity and governance: The behavioral response to female leaders

Author

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  • Gangadharan, Lata
  • Jain, Tarun
  • Maitra, Pushkar
  • Vecci, Joseph

Abstract

This paper uses data from artefactual field experiments and surveys conducted in 61 villages in India to examine whether men and women respond differently to women as leaders. We investigate the extent to which behavior towards female leaders is influenced by experience with women in leadership positions. We find evidence of significant male backlash against female leaders, which can be attributed to the transgression of social norms and in particular, a violation of male identity, when women are assigned to positions of leadership through gender based quotas. Increased exposure to female leaders reduces the extent of bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Gangadharan, Lata & Jain, Tarun & Maitra, Pushkar & Vecci, Joseph, 2016. "Social identity and governance: The behavioral response to female leaders," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 302-325.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:90:y:2016:i:c:p:302-325
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2016.01.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender; Leaders; Affirmative action; Male backlash; India;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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