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Culture and gender differences in honesty

Author

Listed:
  • Caroline Graf

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Social Sciences, Netherlands)

  • Andreas Pondorfer

    (TU Munich, TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainablity & TUM School of Management, Germany)

  • Jonathan Schulz

    (George Mason University, Economics, USA)

Abstract

Gender differences in preferences play a crucial role in shaping economic outcomes. This study examines cross-societal variation in gender differences in honesty, testing whether they reflect innate traits or are shaped by social norms. Using global experimental and survey data, we find that gender differences in honesty emerge primarily in Western societies, where women report stronger honesty norms than men, while such differences are absent in non-Western societies. Additional evidence shows that gender differences in honesty norms are transmitted across generations and narrow as countries become wealthier. These patterns suggest that gender differences in honesty are better explained by socialization rather than innate traits.

Suggested Citation

  • Caroline Graf & Andreas Pondorfer & Jonathan Schulz, 2025. "Culture and gender differences in honesty," Munich Papers in Political Economy 45, Munich School of Politics and Public Policy and the School of Management at the Technical University of Munich.
    • Handle: RePEc:aiw:wpaper:45
    as

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    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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