Exploring Gender- and Race-Based Financial Stereotypes in Black and White College Students

Abstract

Financial behavior disparities across race and gender persist in the United States. Historical and structural factors contribute to such disparities. It is important to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying these disparities to begin to achieve wealth equity. This study addressed one potentially relevant psychological construct: stereotypes about financial behaviors. Using a sample of 114 college students from a large public university, the study explored societally held beliefs about financial behaviors. The results showed that White men were generally viewed as more financially competent than White women, who were viewed as more financially competent than Black men and Black women. Implications for financial education and financial behaviors are discussed.