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

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  • Lu, Yi
  • Shi, Xinzheng
  • Zhong, Songfa

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu, Yi & Shi, Xinzheng & Zhong, Songfa, 2018. "Competitive experience and gender difference in risk preference, trust preference and academic performance: Evidence from Gaokao in China," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(4), pages 1388-1410.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:46:y:2018:i:4:p:1388-1410
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2018.05.002
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Competition; Risk preference; Trust; Gender difference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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