Competitive experience and gender difference in risk preference, trust preference and academic performance: Evidence from Gaokao in China

Yi Lu, Xinzheng Shi, Songfa Zhong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examines whether and how competitive experience affects gender difference in the preferences for risk and trust as well as academic performance. By utilizing the provincial differences in college admission rates as an indicator of competitive experience for students, we assess its relationship with gender difference in risk preference, trust preference, and academic performance. We find that females from provinces with lower college admission rates 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1388-1410
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Comparative Economics
Volume46
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2018

Keywords

  • Competition
  • Gender difference
  • Risk preference
  • Trust

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Economics and Econometrics

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