The Impact of Role Models on Women's Self-Selection in Competitive Environments
42 Pages Posted: 14 Dec 2017 Last revised: 22 Feb 2024
Date Written: March 25, 2020
Abstract
We show that competitive female role models reduce women's perceived stereotype threat and increase their willingness to compete. Competitive male role models have the opposite effect: they reduce women's willingness to compete, and the gender gap in tournament entry increases. Results are strongest for the best performing women who would benefit most from competing. Role models have no impact on low performing women, and on men.
Keywords: Gender, Competition, Role models, Stereotype threat
JEL Classification: J16, C9
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Meier, Kristina and Niessen-Ruenzi, Alexandra and Ruenzi, Stefan, The Impact of Role Models on Women's Self-Selection in Competitive Environments (March 25, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3087862 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3087862
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