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An Experiment on Gender Representation in Majoritarian Bargaining

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  • Andrzej Baranski Author e-mail: a.baranski@nyu.edu
  • Diogo Geraldes Author e-mail: diogogeraldes@gmail.com
  • Ada Kovaliukaite Author e-mail: ada.kovaliukaite@nyu.edu
  • James Tremewan Author e-mail: james.tremewan@auckland.ac.nz

    (Division of Social Science)

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in political and business decision-making bodies across the world. To investigate the causal effect of gender representation on multilateral negotiations, we experimentally manipulate the composition of triads in a majoritarian, divide-the-dollar game. A gender gap in earnings arises in mixed-gender groups. Experiments with different subject pools show that distinct bargaining dynamics can underlie the same inequitable outcomes: While gender-biased outcomes may be caused by outright discrimination, they can also follow from more complex dynamics due to gender differences in bargaining strategies. For example, men are more likely to make opening offers and women are less likely to fight back when excluded from a coalition. Men also earn more in same-gender groups because they reach agreements faster than women, thus incurring lower delay costs. Finally, inclusive splits and unanimous agreement rates are highest in all-female groups and lowest in all-male groups suggesting that female representation increases fairness.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrzej Baranski Author e-mail: a.baranski@nyu.edu & Diogo Geraldes Author e-mail: diogogeraldes@gmail.com & Ada Kovaliukaite Author e-mail: ada.kovaliukaite@nyu.edu & James Tremewan Author e-mail: ja, 2021. "An Experiment on Gender Representation in Majoritarian Bargaining," Working Papers 20210060, New York University Abu Dhabi, Department of Social Science, revised Sep 2021.
  • Handle: RePEc:nad:wpaper:20210060
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    Cited by:

    1. Cason, Timothy N. & Gangadharan, Lata & Grossman, Philip J., 2022. "Gender, beliefs, and coordination with externalities," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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