Gender Differences in Opinions about Market Solutions and Government Interventions: The Case Of Uruguayan Economists

Abstract

This article explores the differences in views between men and women Uruguayan economists regarding their opinions about market solutions and government interventions. In line with international evidence, the support for more market-oriented statements is lower among women than men. The study examines the role of age, family background, exposure to economic discussions (proxied by postgraduate education, reading of blogs and press, and academic environment), and personality traits (risk aversion, optimism, and preferences for competition) to explain these gender gaps. The results indicate that gender plays a role in shaping pro-market opinions. The gender differences remain significant after controlling for explanatory variables, though the magnitudes are mild. The findings indicate that achieving gender balance by including women in public debates and decision-making positions would improve the diversity of perspectives in economics. HIGHLIGHTS In Uruguay, women economists are less pro-market than their men colleagues. Personal traits, notably competitiveness, contribute to this gender gap. Including women in decision making improves diversity and quality of public policies.