The Impact of Role Models on Women’s Self-Selection into Competitive Environments

Abstract

In this paper, we show that competitive female role models reduce women’s perceived stereotype threat and increase their willingness to compete. Competitive male role models have the opposite effect: they reduce women’s willingness to compete, and the gender gap in tournament entry increases. Results are strongest for the best performing women who would benefit most from competing. Role models have no impact on low performing women, and on men.