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Exploring the role of gender in common-pool resource extraction: evidence from laboratory and field experiments in fisheries

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Revollo-Fernández
  • Alonso Aguilar-Ibarra
  • Fiorenza Micheli
  • Andrea Sáenz-Arroyo

Abstract

There is active debate on gender issues in natural resource management. For example, it is proposed that women are more cooperative than men when dealing with natural resources decisions; however, few scientific studies have directly addressed this hypothesis. We provide evidence for a greater cooperative attitude in women compared to men in both college students and coastal fishing communities of Baja California, Mexico, by means of game theory experiments. In both laboratory and field experiments, women changed their behaviour towards lower extraction compared to men, when regulations, sanctions or social scolding were introduced in the games. These results suggest that raising the role of women in decision-making, along with an adequate institutional framework, may lead to a more sustainable use of natural resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Revollo-Fernández & Alonso Aguilar-Ibarra & Fiorenza Micheli & Andrea Sáenz-Arroyo, 2016. "Exploring the role of gender in common-pool resource extraction: evidence from laboratory and field experiments in fisheries," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(13), pages 912-920, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:apeclt:v:23:y:2016:i:13:p:912-920
    DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2015.1119786
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    3. Masuda, Yuta J. & Waterfield, Gina & Castilla, Carolina & Kang, Shiteng & Zhang, Wei, 2022. "Does balancing gender composition lead to more prosocial outcomes? Experimental evidence of equality in public goods and extraction games from rural Kenya," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    4. Tisserand, Jean-Christian & Hopfensitz, Astrid & Blondel, Serge & Loheac, Youenn & Mantilla, César & Mateu, Guillermo & Rosaz, Julie & Rozan, Anne & Willinger, Marc & Sutan, Angela, 2022. "Management of common pool resources in a nation-wide experiment," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
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    6. Tegenie, Yeshimebet Ayele & Sparrow, Robert & Bulte, Erwin & Bongers, Frans, 2024. "Exploring the impact of tenure arrangements and incentives on sustainable forest use: Evidence from a framed-field experiment in Ethiopia," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).

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