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Disparities in Psychological Traits and Income: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in the U.S

Author

Listed:
  • Dariel, Aurelie

    (New York University, Abu Dhabi)

  • Ham, John C.

    (New York University, Abu Dhabi)

  • Nikiforakis, Nikos

    (New York University, Abu Dhabi)

  • Stoop, Jan

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

There are pronounced racial, ethnic, and gender gaps in income in the U.S. We investigate whether these correspond with differences in competitiveness, risk tolerance, and confidence relative to performance in a large, stratified sample of the U.S. prime-age population. We find substantial differences in all three traits across Black, Hispanic, and White males and females. These traits predict individual income. Competitiveness and risk tolerance help explain the White gender income gap. Competitiveness also affects the Black-White income gap between men. Confidence about one's performance helps explain a substantial and significant portion of all five race-gender income gaps with White men.

Suggested Citation

  • Dariel, Aurelie & Ham, John C. & Nikiforakis, Nikos & Stoop, Jan, 2024. "Disparities in Psychological Traits and Income: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in the U.S," IZA Discussion Papers 16818, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16818
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mounir Karadja & Johanna Mollerstrom & David Seim, 2017. "Richer (and Holier) Than Thou? The Effect of Relative Income Improvements on Demand for Redistribution," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 99(2), pages 201-212, May.
    2. Patrick Bayer & Kerwin Kofi Charles, 2018. "Divergent Paths: A New Perspective on Earnings Differences Between Black and White Men Since 1940," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 133(3), pages 1459-1501.
    3. Marie T. Mora & Alberto D?vila, 2014. "Gender and Business Outcomes of Black and Hispanic New Entrepreneurs in the United States," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(5), pages 245-249, May.
    4. Thomas Buser & Muriel Niederle & Hessel Oosterbeek, 2014. "Gender, Competitiveness, and Career Choices," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 129(3), pages 1409-1447.
    5. Dan Black & Amelia Haviland & Seth Sanders & Lowell Taylor, 2006. "Why Do Minority Men Earn Less? A Study of Wage Differentials among the Highly Educated," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 88(2), pages 300-313, May.
    6. Robert B. Barsky & F. Thomas Juster & Miles S. Kimball & Matthew D. Shapiro, 1997. "Preference Parameters and Behavioral Heterogeneity: An Experimental Approach in the Health and Retirement Study," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 112(2), pages 537-579.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    racial/gender income gaps; overconfidence; competitiveness; risk tolerance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles

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