Why Do Women Invest Differently than Men?

Several recent studies have found that women invest their pensions more conservatively than men (Bajtelsmit and VanDerhei, 1996; Hinz, McCarthy, and Turner, 1996) and that women are more risk averse (Jianakoplos and Bernasek, 1996). Although these findings have serious implications for the well-being of women in retirement, the reasons for observed gender differences are less well- defined. This paper surveys the existing literature regarding gender differences in investment and considers the policy implications of these differences. The authors provide a summary and organization of the explanations for gender differences that have been offered in a variety of fields, including economics, sociology, education and gender studies.

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