The effect of task choice and task assignment on the gender earnings gap: An experimental study

Previous studies explain the gender earnings gap by differences in choosing competitive and higher-paying jobs. However, little is known about whether how women’s are affected when they choose more challenging In this study, we use a novel identification strategy to investigate 1) arises from individuals’ self-selecting into different tasks 2) mobilizing women work on typically preferred men increases decreases gap. Our results show that who prefer hard higher-paid task likely obtain higher regardless of assigned. contrast, find even if their initial take choice easy lower-paid one. findings consistent robust across stereotypes. imply rewarding reduce