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Can gender diversity prevent risky choice shifts? The effect of gender composition on group decisions under risk

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  • Lima de Miranda, Katharina
  • Detlefsen, Lena
  • Schmidt, Ulrich

Abstract

Our study contributes to the literature on choice shifts in group decision-making by analyzing how the level of risk-taking within a group is influenced by its gender composition. In particular, we investigate experimentally whether group composition affects how preferences ‘shift’ when comparing individual and group choices. Consistent with hypotheses derived from previous literature, we show that male-dominated groups shift toward riskier decisions in a way that is not explained by any simple preference aggregation mechanism. We discuss potential channels for the observed pattern of choice shifts.

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  • Lima de Miranda, Katharina & Detlefsen, Lena & Schmidt, Ulrich, 2025. "Can gender diversity prevent risky choice shifts? The effect of gender composition on group decisions under risk," Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy 330837, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwkie:330837
    DOI: 10.1017/eec.2024.4
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    1. Lima de Miranda, Katharina & Detlefsen, Lena & Schmidt, Ulrich, 2025. "Can gender diversity prevent risky choice shifts? The effect of gender composition on group decisions under risk," Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy 330837, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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