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Psychological bias and gender wage gap

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  • Palomino, Frédéric
  • Peyrache, Eloïc-Anil

Abstract

Basing our work on the literature on psychology that highlights differences in confidence levels between men and women, we provide a rationale for the simultaneous existence of the two dimensions of the gender wage gap: (i) on average, men earn more than women and (ii) the difference in wages depends on the gender structure. We also argue that although an equal compensation policy does not eliminate the gender wage gap, it nonetheless increases social welfare. Finally, endogenizing the choice of task by agents, we show how women, in a vast majority, can self-select on low paying jobs.

Suggested Citation

  • Palomino, Frédéric & Peyrache, Eloïc-Anil, 2010. "Psychological bias and gender wage gap," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 76(3), pages 563-573, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:76:y:2010:i:3:p:563-573
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    4. Nas Ozen,Selin Efsan & Hut,Stefan & Levin,Victoria & Munoz Boudet,Ana Maria, 2020. "A Field Experiment on the Role of Socioemotional Skills and Gender for Hiring in Turkey," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9154, The World Bank.
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    6. Kataria, Mitesh, 2017. "How long do you think it will take? Field Evidence on Gender Differences in Time Optimism," Working Papers in Economics 694, University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics.
    7. Rahmah Ismail & Maryam Farhadi & Chung‐Khain Wye, 2017. "Occupational Segregation and Gender Wage Differentials: Evidence from Malaysia," Asian Economic Journal, East Asian Economic Association, vol. 31(4), pages 381-401, December.
    8. Samuel Adams & Fanny Adams Quagrainie & Edem Kwame Mensah Klobodu, 2014. "Psychological contract formation: The influence of demographic factors," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 17(3), pages 279-294, September.
    9. repec:ces:ifodic:v:15:y:2017:i:2:p:13-17 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Heili Hein & Aaro Hazak & Kadri Männasoo, 2017. "Who has a better chance of getting higher salaries among creative R&D employees?," TUT Economic Research Series 39, Department of Finance and Economics, Tallinn University of Technology.
    11. Harin, Alexander, 2021. "Behavioral economics. Forbidden zones. New method and models," MPRA Paper 106545, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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