Gender differences in competitiveness and risk taking: Comparing children in Colombia and Sweden

► We explore gender differences in preferences for competition and risk among children aged 9-12 in Colombia and Sweden. ► The two countries studied differ substantially in gender equality according to macro indices. ► We find that boys and girls are equally competitive in all tasks and all measures in Colombia. ► The results in Sweden are mixed. ► Boys in both countries are more risk taking than girls.