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When Does the Gender Gap in Financial Literacy Begin?

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  • Alison Preston
  • Robert E. Wright

Abstract

Research to date has failed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the source of the gender gap in financial literacy in adulthood. Using microdata from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey and an analysis covering four age groups (15–19, 20–24, 25–29 and 30–34), this paper suggests that the gender gap starts young and well before individuals enter adulthood. The analysis also suggests that that raw (unadjusted) gender gap likely underestimates the underlying gap. It is important to establish whether the gap begins before or after children enter school, since policy aimed at addressing it would be very different.

Suggested Citation

  • Alison Preston & Robert E. Wright, 2024. "When Does the Gender Gap in Financial Literacy Begin?," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 100(328), pages 44-73, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecorec:v:100:y:2024:i:328:p:44-73
    DOI: 10.1111/1475-4932.12785
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    References listed on IDEAS

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