The Unintended Consequences of #MeToo: Evidence from Research Collaborations in Economics and Finance

Abstract

How did #MeToo alter collaboration between women and men? I show junior female researchers start fewer projects after #MeToo. A decrease in collaborations with male co-authors--especially new senior male co-authors at the same institution - largely explains the decline. The decrease is larger at universities with higher perceived harassment accusation risk and smaller where both women and men publicly express greater awareness of gender issues. I find no evidence that reduced collaboration improves research outcomes for junior female researchers. The results suggest that #MeToo led to a breakdown in trust that came at a cost for junior women's career opportunities.

Keywords: Corporate Culture, Corporate Governance, Gender, Social Movements, Regulations

JEL Classification: D91, D22, J7, J8, J16, J24