The Menstrual Cycle and Performance Feedback Alter Gender Differences in Competitive Choices

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Labor Economics
Year: 2014
Volume: 32
Issue: 1
Pages: 161 - 198

Authors (3)

David Wozniak (not in RePEc) William T. Harbaugh (University of Oregon) Ulrich Mayr (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We use a within-subjects experiment with math and word tasks to show that relative performance feedback moves high-ability females toward more competitive forms of compensation, moves low-ability men toward less competitive forms, and eliminates gender differences in choices. We also examine females across the menstrual cycle and find that women in the high-hormone phase are more willing to compete than women in the low-hormone phase. There are no significant differences between choices after subjects receive feedback. Thus, biological differences lead to economically significant differences, but the impact of those differences can be lowered through relative performance information.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/673324
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25