Gender differences in optimism

Arbeitspapier

This paper examines gender differences in optimism about the economy. We measure optimism using Swedish survey data in which respondents stated their beliefs about the country's future economic situation. We argue that this measure of optimism is preferable to common measurements in the literature since it avoids confounding individuals' economic situation with their perception of the future and it can be compared to economic indicators. In line with previous research, we find that men are more optimistic than women; however, men are also more prone to be wrong in their beliefs about the future economic situation. Furthermore, in sharp economic downturns, the gender differences in optimism disappear. This convergence in beliefs can be explained by the amount of available information on the economy.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IFN Working Paper ; No. 1275

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination ; Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
• Subject: Gender ; Optimism ; Perception of the future ; Economic downturns

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Bjuggren, Carl Magnus ; Elert, Niklas
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN)
• (where): Stockholm
• (when): 2019

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/210916
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:42 AM CET