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Gender differences in optimism

Author

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  • Carl Magnus Bjuggren
  • Niklas Elert

Abstract

This article examines gender differences in optimism about the economy. We measure optimism using Swedish survey data in which respondents stated their beliefs about the country’s future economic situation. We argue that this measure of optimism is preferable to common measurements in the literature since it avoids confounding individuals’ economic situation with their perception of the future and it can be compared to economic indicators. In line with previous research, we find that men are more optimistic than women; however, men are also more prone to be wrong in their beliefs about the future economic situation. Furthermore, in sharp economic downturns, the gender differences in optimism disappear. This convergence in beliefs can be explained by the amount of available information on the economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Carl Magnus Bjuggren & Niklas Elert, 2019. "Gender differences in optimism," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(47), pages 5160-5173, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:51:y:2019:i:47:p:5160-5173
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2019.1610714
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Canova, Luciano & Paladino, Giovanna, 2025. "Exogenous Surprises and Emotional Outcomes: An Analysis of Well-Being Dynamics. How has the happiness and optimism of Italians been affected by the US 2024 election result?," MPRA Paper 125123, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Da Ke, 2021. "Who Wears the Pants? Gender Identity Norms and Intrahousehold Financial Decision‐Making," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 76(3), pages 1389-1425, June.
    3. Stephanie Briel & Aderonke Osikominu & Gregor Pfeifer & Mirjam Reutter & Sascha Satlukal, 2022. "Gender differences in wage expectations: the role of biased beliefs," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 62(1), pages 187-212, January.
    4. Chhatwani, Malvika & Mishra, Sushanta Kumar, 2021. "Financial fragility and financial optimism linkage during COVID-19: Does financial literacy matter?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    5. van den Berg, Gerard J. & Kunaschk, Max & Lang, Julia & Stephan, Gesine & Uhlendorff, Arne, 2023. "Predicting Re-Employment: Machine Learning versus Assessments by Unemployed Workers and by Their Caseworkers," IZA Discussion Papers 16426, IZA Network @ LISER.
    6. Lisette Ibanez & Hayet Saadaoui, 2022. "An experimental investigation on the dark side of emotions and its aftereffects," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(10), pages 1-23, October.
    7. Francesco D'Acunto & Ulrike M. Malmendier & Michael Weber & Michael Weber, 2020. "Gender Roles and the Gender Expectations Gap," CESifo Working Paper Series 8158, CESifo.
    8. repec:rim:rimwps:23-15 is not listed on IDEAS
    9. repec:rim:rimwps:24-13 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. T. A. Nestik, 2024. "Psychological Mechanisms of Economic Optimism amid the Crisis," Studies on Russian Economic Development, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 13-20, February.
    11. Evguenia Bessonova & Irina Denisova & Nadezhda Ivanova & Alexandra Moskaleva, 2024. "Demography and Savings: Evidence from a Russian Household Survey," Bank of Russia Working Paper Series wps135, Bank of Russia.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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