Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/207033 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
Research Papers in Economics No. 1/19
Publisher: 
Universität Trier, Fachbereich IV - Volkswirtschaftslehre, Trier
Abstract: 
Previous international research has shown that women are more risk averse than men. This gives rise to the question whether the gender gap in risk attitudes is shaped by the social environment. We address this question by examining risk attitudes among East and West Germans. Originated from different family policies during Germany's separation, East Germans have more equal gender roles than West Germans. Thus, if the gender gap reflects socially constructed norms, it should be smaller among East Germans. Using data of the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), our empirical analysis confirms this prediction. Specifically with respect to career and financial matters, the gender gap in risk tolerance is smaller among East Germans. We find no evidence that the East German gender gap has converged to the higher West German level after reunification. By contrast, the West German gap has narrowed over time.
Subjects: 
Risk Preferences
Gender Roles
Nurture
Family Policy
JEL: 
D91
J16
P51
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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