Why Do Women Invest Differently than Men?

Financial Counseling and Planning, Vol. 7, 1996

10 Pages Posted: 1 Feb 1997

See all articles by Vickie L. Bajtelsmit

Vickie L. Bajtelsmit

Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Alexandra Bernasek

Colorado State University - Department of Economics

Abstract

Several recent studies have found that women invest their pensions more conservatively than men (Bajtelsmit and VanDerhei, 1996; Hinz, McCarthy, and Turner, 1996) and that women are more risk averse (Jianakoplos and Bernasek, 1996). Although these findings have serious implications for the well-being of women in retirement, the reasons for observed gender differences are less well- defined. This paper surveys the existing literature regarding gender differences in investment and considers the policy implications of these differences. The authors provide a summary and organization of the explanations for gender differences that have been offered in a variety of fields, including economics, sociology, education and gender studies.

JEL Classification: D80

Suggested Citation

Bajtelsmit, Vickie L. and Bernasek, Alexandra, Why Do Women Invest Differently than Men?. Financial Counseling and Planning, Vol. 7, 1996, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2238 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2238

Vickie L. Bajtelsmit (Contact Author)

Colorado State University, Fort Collins ( email )

Fort Collins, CO 80523
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1771
United States

Alexandra Bernasek

Colorado State University - Department of Economics ( email )

Fort Collins, CO 80523
United States
970-217-1480 (Phone)

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