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Gender Differences in Beliefs on the Returns to Effort: Evidence from the World Values Survey

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  • Raymond Fisman
  • Maura O’Neill

Abstract

We study gender differences in attitudes in the role of luck versus hard work in achieving success using data from the World Values Survey. Women are consistently more likely to report that success is a matter of luck. We consider several potential explanations: workplace discrimination, religion, household responsibilities, and political alignment. Our results favor explanations based on workplace discrimination and household responsibilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Raymond Fisman & Maura O’Neill, 2009. "Gender Differences in Beliefs on the Returns to Effort: Evidence from the World Values Survey," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 44(4).
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:44:y:2009:i4:p858-870
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Eber, Nicolas & François, Abel & Weill, Laurent, 2021. "Gender, age, and attitude toward competition," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 192(C), pages 668-690.
    3. Furtado, Delia & Papps, Kerry L. & Theodoropoulos, Nikolaos, 2022. "Who Goes on Disability when Times are Tough? The Role of Work Norms among Immigrants," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    4. Yin, Peiyan & Zhou, Yonghong, 2025. "The lasting impact of early-career financial crisis experiences on financial satisfaction," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    5. Sule Alan & Gozde Corekcioglu & Mustafa Kaba & Matthias Sutter, 2023. "Female Leadership and Workplace Climate," ECONtribute Policy Brief Series 057, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    6. Kleibrink, Jan & Michaelsen, Maren M., 2012. "Reaching High: Occupational Sorting and Higher Education Wage Inequality in the UK," Ruhr Economic Papers 377, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    7. Luiza Antonie & Miana Plesca & Jennifer Teng, 2016. "Heterogeneity in the Gender Wage Gap in Canada," Working Papers 1603, University of Guelph, Department of Economics and Finance.
    8. Migheli, Matteo, 2014. "Preferences for government interventions in the economy: Does gender matter?," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 39-48.
    9. Koh, Benedict S.K. & Mitchell, Olivia S. & Fong, Joelle H., 2021. "Trust and retirement preparedness: Evidence from Singapore," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 18(C).
    10. Eiji Yamamura, 2017. "Historical education levels and present-day non-cognitive skills," Journal of Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Econometrics Society, vol. 60(1), pages 28-51.
    11. Shoji, Masahiro, 2020. "Early-Life Circumstances and Adult Locus of Control: Evidence from 46 Developing Countries," MPRA Paper 99987, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    12. Masahiro Shoji, 2023. "Gendered effects of early childhood weather shocks on locus of control: evidence from 28 agricultural countries," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 36(3), pages 1363-1393, July.
    13. Şule Alan & Gozde Çörekçioğlu & Mustafa Kaba & Matthias Sutter, 2026. "Female Leadership and Workplace Climate," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 72(5), pages 4536-4557, May.
    14. Lin Xiu & Morley Gunderson, 2013. "Performance Pay in China: Gender Aspects," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(1), pages 124-147, March.

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