Discutants : Olivier Renault (sénior) et Maria Montoya Villalobos (junior)

Abstract:

In this study, we use a lab experiment to investigate individuals’ reactions to defeat. In an attempt to understand if men dislike competing with women, this study analyzes men’s willingness to compete again, against a high-performing woman. Using a strategic method, our research seeks to elicit men’s and women’s behaviors in a repeated competition context. Meanwhile, we investigate different reactions when giving the participants hypothetical information about the points gap with their opponent. Our results show that men are more reluctant to compete against a man (than a woman) when being defeated by a large point gap. Women, on the other hand, do not base their decision to compete again on the gender of their opponent.