Paper by Klarita Gërxhani and Arthur Schram accepted for publication in the American Journal of Sociology

Abstract

This study uses data from a series of laboratory experiments to provide a comprehensive analysis of gender differences in performance caused by two different dimensions of competition –rivalry for resources and status ranking. It also examines two mechanisms behind such differences. The results indicate that in the absence of any competitive dimension the performance difference between men and women is not statistically significant at the usual levels. Any competitive dimension, however, leads to women performing statistically significantly worse than men. These results are explained by the two mechanisms: (1) men’s beliefs that they are better than women under competition, and (2) women’s adherence to a prescribed stereotype of not harming others. This suggests that gender differences under competition are endogenous to situational contexts.

Article citation and full access to article:

Klarita Gërxhani, Jordi Brandts and Arthur Schram, Competition and Gender Inequality: A comprehensive analysis of effects and mechanisms, American Journal of Sociology, accepted for publication, doi/10.1086/727822

More research on gender inqeuality

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam recently published an interview with Klarita Gërxhani about her research on gender inqeuality and position as head of the new department of Ethics, Governance and Society. Read the interview here.

Summer Schoon on Gender and Society

Klarita will be teachting the summer course Gender in Society (July 8-12, 2024) together with Katharina Brutt. The course is part of the 2024 Tinbergen Institute Summer School program.