We hereby invite you to join our next Economics of Inequality Research Seminar at WU Vienna.

Anne Ardila Brenøe (University of Zurich) will present the paper

Backlash from Gender Equality.

Date and Time: Monday, November 17; 3.00 p.m.

Location:  WU Vienna, TC – TC.4.15.

Abstract 

To attract more female talent to male-dominated fields, companies have promoted gender-targeted programs. Yet, such efforts could backfire if they trigger a negative response among men. We study this possibility in a randomized controlled trial among 8th grade students in Switzerland, prior to choosing a training occupation. Students in the treatment group watched two videos emphasizing firms' desire to recruit girls into tech occupations and to promote equal career opportunities for women in management positions. We measure effects on students’ career aspirations and on sabotaging behavior in incentivized games. Results show that students understood the message that companies promote women. We find no evidence of backlash from boys against girls. We also find no effect of the treatment on girls’ or boys’ interest in receiving more information or pursuing the promoted occupations. These findings suggest that while gender-targeted promotion does not deter boys, it may not be sufficient to change career intentions either.

Please register your participation here. 

Best regards,