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Gender differences in opinions about market solutions and government interventions: the case of Uruguayan economists

Author

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  • Verónica Amarante

    (Instituto de Economía, Universidad de la República, Uruguay)

  • Marisa Bucheli

    (Departamento de Economía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de la República)

  • Tatiana Pérez

    (Departamento de Economía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de la República)

Abstract

This paper explores the differences in views between male and female Uruguayan economists regarding their opinions about market solutions and government interventions. In line with international evidence, the support to statements more market-oriented is lower among women than men, but the magnitudes of the gaps are small. We examine the role of age, family background, exposure to economic discussions (proxied by postgraduate education, reading of blogs and press and academic environment), and personality traits (risk aversion, optimism, and preferences for competition) to explain the gender gaps. Our results indicate that there is a positive relationship between gender differences in competitiveness and pro-market opinions. However, the gender difference remains significant after controlling for explanatory variables, though the magnitudes are mild. In any case, the findings indicate that achieving gender balance through the inclusion of women in public debates and decision-making positions would improve the diversity of perspectives in economics.

Suggested Citation

  • Verónica Amarante & Marisa Bucheli & Tatiana Pérez, 2022. "Gender differences in opinions about market solutions and government interventions: the case of Uruguayan economists," Documentos de Trabajo (working papers) 0222, Department of Economics - dECON.
    • Handle: RePEc:ude:wpaper:0222
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gender gap; economic opinions; economists;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • H00 - Public Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z00 - Other Special Topics - - General - - - General

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