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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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    4. 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.
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    6. Shoji, Masahiro, 2020. "Early-Life Circumstances and Adult Locus of Control: Evidence from 46 Developing Countries," MPRA Paper 99987, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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