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Non-Binary Gender Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine B Coffman

    (Harvard Business School)

  • Lucas Coffman

    (Boston College)

  • Keith Marzilli Ericson

    (Boston University Questrom School of Business)

Abstract

Economics research has largely overlooked non-binary individuals. We provide data on many of their economically-important beliefs and preferences. Non-binary individuals report more gender-based discrimination and less workplace inclusion than men or women. Anti-non-binary sentiment is stronger than anti-LGBT sentiment, and strongest among men. Non-binary respondents report lower assertiveness and confidence. They have different career and life aspirations, valuing career prosociality more and having children less. Their social preferences are similar to men’s and less prosocial than women’s, with age an important moderator. Stereotypes are inaccurate, as respondents often mistake the direction of group gender differences or exaggerate their size.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine B Coffman & Lucas Coffman & Keith Marzilli Ericson, 2024. "Non-Binary Gender Economics," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 1074, Boston College Department of Economics, revised 01 Jul 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocoec:1074
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    Cited by:

    1. Aksoy, Billur & Chadd, Ian, 2025. "Competitiveness at the intersection of gender and sexual orientation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    2. Francesco Berlingieri & Matija Kovacic & Elena Stepanova, 2025. "Trust behaviour of sexual minorities: Evidence from a large-scale trust game experiment," Working Papers 2025: 02, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".

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    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General

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