Does Competitive Experience Affect Gender Difference in Economic Preference and Academic Performance?

Abstract

This study examines whether competitive experience affects gender difference in the economic preference and academic performance. By utilizing the provincial differences in college admission rates as an indication of competitive experience for students, we assess the effects on risk preference, trust preference, and academic performance. We find that after experiencing more competitive environment, females are more risk averse and less trustful, and perform better in more competitive environment, compared with their male counterparts. Our study suggests that observed gender differences may partially reflect the effects of schooling environment rather than inherent gender traits.

Keywords: competition, risk, trust, gender difference

JEL Classification: D03, J16