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Are there gender differences in the propensity to compete in China? An empirical investigation

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  • Wu, Gerald
  • Lordan, Grace
  • Nikita, Nikita

Abstract

Evidence from the lab suggests that women are not inclined to compete more than men, but the majority of this evidence relates to Western countries. Our study explores gender differences in the propensity to compete among Chinese individuals. The study uses an online survey distributed to undergraduate and postgraduate degree students in a university located in Shanghai and measures performance among Chinese men and women under different incentive schemes. The results of this study suggest that there are no differences in performance under competitive conditions between Chinese men and women. However, women perform slightly better than men when the element of risk is added in a competitive environment. This study underscores the importance of examining cultural nuances when evaluating gender dynamics in competition and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of these dynamics in the Chinese context.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Gerald & Lordan, Grace & Nikita, Nikita, 2024. "Are there gender differences in the propensity to compete in China? An empirical investigation," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 123930, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:123930
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/123930/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Uri Gneezy & Kenneth L. Leonard & John A. List, 2009. "Gender Differences in Competition: Evidence From a Matrilineal and a Patriarchal Society," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 77(5), pages 1637-1664, September.
    2. Uri Gneezy & Muriel Niederle & Aldo Rustichini, 2003. "Performance in Competitive Environments: Gender Differences," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 118(3), pages 1049-1074.
    3. Muriel Niederle & Lise Vesterlund, 2007. "Do Women Shy Away From Competition? Do Men Compete Too Much?," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 122(3), pages 1067-1101.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • D00 - Microeconomics - - General - - - General
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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