Gender inequality and national gender gaps in overconfidence

PLoS One. 2021 Apr 15;16(4):e0249459. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249459. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Using a large dataset of marathon runners, we estimate country- and gender-specific proxies for overconfidence. Subsequently, we correlate them with a number of indices, including various measures of gender equality. We find that in less gender-equal countries both males and females tend to be more self-confident than in more equal countries. While a substantial gender gap in overconfidence is observed, it only correlates with some sub-indices of gender equality. We conclude that there is likely a weak relationship between OC gender gap and gender inequality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Gender Equity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marathon Running
  • Self Concept*

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the grant 2017/27/B/HS4/00624 from Polish National Science Center (https://www.ncn.gov.pl/) (MK). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.