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Normative conflict and the gender gap in cooperation

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  • Nikiforakis, Nikos
  • Reuben, Ernesto
  • Stüber, Robert

Abstract

A normative conflict arises when individuals derive different benefits from cooperation. We analyze experimental data from three published studies to investigate the impact of normative conflict on the cooperative behavior of men and women. We find that women exhibit significantly lower levels of cooperation in the presence of normative conflict. We observe no significant gender differences in cooperation in the absence of normative conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikiforakis, Nikos & Reuben, Ernesto & Stüber, Robert, 2024. "Normative conflict and the gender gap in cooperation," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:238:y:2024:i:c:s0165176524001630
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111680
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cooperation; Gender; Inequality; Normative conflict; Heterogeneous groups;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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