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Do Female Experts Face an Authority Gap? Evidence from Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Sievertsen, Hans Henrik

    (University of Bristol)

  • Smith, Sarah

    (University of Bristol)

Abstract

This paper reports results from a survey experiment comparing the effect of (the same) opinions expressed by male versus female experts. Members of the public were asked for their opinions on topical issues and shown the opinion of either a male or a female economist, all professors at leading US universities. We find, first, that experts can persuade members of the public - the opinions of individual expert economists have an effect on public opinion - and, second, that the opinions expressed by female economists are more persuasive than the same opinions expressed by male economists.

Suggested Citation

  • Sievertsen, Hans Henrik & Smith, Sarah, 2024. "Do Female Experts Face an Authority Gap? Evidence from Economics," IZA Discussion Papers 17029, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17029
    as

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    File URL: https://docs.iza.org/dp17029.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marcella Alsan & Owen Garrick & Grant Graziani, 2019. "Does Diversity Matter for Health? Experimental Evidence from Oakland," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 109(12), pages 4071-4111, December.
    2. Roger Gordon & Gordon B. Dahl, 2013. "Views among Economists: Professional Consensus or Point-Counterpoint?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 103(3), pages 629-635, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic expertise; persuasion; gender; stereotypes; survey experiments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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