Publications
Publications
- 2022
- HBS Working Paper Series
Beliefs about Gender Differences in Social Preferences
By: Christine L Exley, Oliver P. Hauser, Molly Moore and John-Henry Pezzuto
Abstract
While there is a vast (and mixed) literature on gender differences in social preferences, little is known about believed gender differences in social preferences. This paper documents robust evidence for believed gender differences in social preferences. Across a wide range of contexts that vary in terms of strategic considerations, selfish motives, fairness concepts and applications, we find that individuals robustly expect that women are more generous and more equality-oriented. Despite the robustness of these beliefs, the believed gender gap in social preferences—in the range of contexts we consider—is largely inaccurate.
Keywords
Citation
Exley, Christine L., Oliver P. Hauser, Molly Moore, and John-Henry Pezzuto. "Beliefs about Gender Differences in Social Preferences." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 22-079, June 2022.