Gender and willingness to compete for high stakes

We examine gender differences in competitiveness, using a TV game show where the winner of an elimination competition plays chance worth hundreds thousands euros. At several stages competition, contestants face choice between continuing to compete and opting out exchange for comparatively modest prize. When strategic considerations are absent, we observe well-known pattern that women less likely than men, but this difference derives entirely from avoiding against men. decision is should factor competitiveness others, again avoid competing Men, turn, seem anticipate lower female opponents, as evidenced by their greater tendency women. Ability unlikely explain these results. The findings underline importance competitors analysis willingness compete, shed new light on persistent gap at male-dominated higher rungs career ladder.