Gender and (Inaccurate) Beliefs

Abstract

Beliefs play a critical role in many economic, political, and life decisions. Experimental methodology provides scholars with a vital tool for evaluating the role that beliefs play in decision making. Research in experimental and behavioral economics have revealed that the beliefs we use in decision making are often inaccurate. Uncovering these distortions in the areas of gender gaps and discrimination has advanced our understanding of these phenomena. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the types of belief distortions that have been identified in the areas of gender gaps and discrimination, and their implications. Understanding these distortions is important for informing interventions aimed at narrowing gender gaps.