economics, evidence, and why the answer matters
- Categories
- Book/Boek
- Creator
- Nelson, Julie A.
- Publish Year
- 2018
- Shelfmark
- VS 8 2018 - B
- Thesaurus
- economie, arbeid, sekse, mannelijkheid, vrouwelijkheid, gezondheid, bank- en verzekeringswezen, klimaatveranderingen
- Description
- The idea that 'women are more risk-averse than men' has become accepted as a truism. Nelson asks whether the belief that men and women have distinct risk preferences is backed up by high quality empirical evidence. The answer turns out to be 'no.' Why does so much of the literature claim to find evidence of 'difference'? This can be attributed to biases arising from categorical thinking, widespread stereotyping and a tendency to prefer results that are publishable and that fit one’s prior beliefs. The book also explores the economic implications of the association of risk-taking with masculinity and risk-aversion with femininity. Not only fairness in employment, but also the health of the financial sector and national responses to climate change are being compromised.