Work

Does Economics Make You Sexist?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We provide direct evidence on explicit and implicit biases against women among students in economics relative to other fields. We conducted a large scale survey among undergraduates in Chile, among both entering first-year students and students in years 2 and above, combining a wide battery of measures to create an index of gender bias. Economics students are more biased than students in other fields. There is some evidence that economics students are more biased already upon entry, before exposure to economics classes. The gap becomes more pronounced among students in years 2 and above, especially for male students.

Source: Universidad de Chile

DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_01356

Authors: Paredes, Valentina, Paserman, M. Daniele, Pino, Francisco J.

Institutions: University of Chile, Boston University, National Bureau of Economic Research

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Quality education

Open Access status: green

Funders: Universidad de Chile, Centro de Estudios de Conflicto y Cohesión Social, Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias