Gender differences in trust and trustworthiness: Individuals, single sex and mixed sex groups

We explore gender differences in trust and trustworthiness between male and female individuals and groups consisting of two members of the same sex to understand if single sex groups behave differently from individuals of the same sex. We find some differences in the early rounds such as: (i) all-male (all-female) groups are more trusting than male (female) individuals and (ii) female individuals are most reciprocal compared to other entities. However, such early differences dissipate over time. We find that groups – whether single sex or mixed – behave very similar to each other and that there are little or no significant differences either in trust or trustworthiness between male and female groups. Our results have implications for the study of gender differences in economic transactions.

► We explore trust and trustworthiness between individuals and two-member single-sex and mixed-sex groups. ► We look at differences in behaviour between male (female) individuals and all-male (all-female) groups. ► In early rounds groups are more trusting than individuals. ► Male (female) groups are more trusting than male (female) individuals. ► Early differences in trust and reciprocity between entities dissipate with repeated play of game.