Why Do Women Invest Differently Than Men?
Vickie L. Bajtelsmit, Colorado State University 1
Alexandra Bernasek , Colorado State University 2
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.
KEY WORDS: gender differences, individual investors, investment, pensions, risk aversion