Sex differences in personality traits are shrinking among younger generations
Are men and women becoming more alike? New research analyzing global survey data finds that differences in key economic preferences, such as trust and risk tolerance, are significantly smaller among younger generations than older ones.
A new study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that gender differences in personality traits such as patience, risk-taking, trust, and prosocial behavior are becoming smaller among younger generations. The findings challenge the notion that these gaps widen as societies become more equal. Using data from two large international surveys, researchers compared the differences between men and women across different age groups within the same countries.
They found that these gaps have been consistently narrowing, particularly in lower-income and less gender-equal nations. Specifically, the gap between men and women born in the 1980s was about 20% smaller than the gap between those born in the 1950s. The researchers suggest that this convergence indicates that men and women are becoming more similar in their preferences as they are formed early in life and remain relatively stable.
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