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Counter-stereotypical female role models and women’s occupational choices☆

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  • Chhaochharia, Vidhi
  • Du, Mengqiao
  • Niessen-Ruenzi, Alexandra

Abstract

This paper examines the relation between counter-stereotypical female role models and women’s labor supply and occupational choices. Using hand-collected data from Gallup surveys that cover more than 50 years, we create a direct measure of counter-stereotypical female role models based on the fraction of local survey respondents who state that they admire famous women in business, politics, or science. We show that admiring counter-stereotypical female role models is associated with more women participating in the labor market, working in male-dominated and STEM industries, and taking managerial positions, which eventually alleviates the gender pay gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Chhaochharia, Vidhi & Du, Mengqiao & Niessen-Ruenzi, Alexandra, 2022. "Counter-stereotypical female role models and women’s occupational choices☆," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 501-523.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:196:y:2022:i:c:p:501-523
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.02.009
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Female role models; Occupational choices; Gender gaps; Labor supply;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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