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On the Malleability of Implicit Attitudes Towards Women Empowerment: Evidence from Tunisia

Author

Listed:
  • Nillesen, Eleonora

    (UNU-MERIT)

  • Grimm, Michael

    (University of Passau)

  • Goedhuys, Micheline

    (UNU-MERIT)

  • Reitmann, Ann-Kristin

    (University of Passau)

  • Meysonnat, Aline

    (UNU-MERIT)

Abstract

We use an implicit association test (IAT) to measure implicit gender attitudes and examine the malleability of these attitudes using a randomized field experiment and quasi-experimental data from Tunisia. Women that appear most conservative respond to a randomized video treatment by reducing their implicit gender bias. Also, female interviewers invite more conservative responses to the IAT, especially among the male subsample. Perceived religiosity of the interviewer affects self-reported gender attitudes, but not IAT measures, suggesting social desirability may be at work. We discuss the implications of our findings for the use of implicit measures in development research.

Suggested Citation

  • Nillesen, Eleonora & Grimm, Michael & Goedhuys, Micheline & Reitmann, Ann-Kristin & Meysonnat, Aline, 2019. "On the Malleability of Implicit Attitudes Towards Women Empowerment: Evidence from Tunisia," IZA Discussion Papers 12471, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12471
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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