The Gender Confidence Gap: A Life Course and Intersectional Approach

The confidence gap is the well-documented phenomenon that women are less self-confident than men. I consider the patterns of the gap across the life course and social categories of race to test theories of the gap. I adopt an intersectional and life course approach to test nature versus nurture theories of the gap. Analyzing data from the three-wave MIDUS, I provide evidence that the gap remains consistent across the life course (age groups) and race categories. I show that the gap is most significant among working-age groups and that education has a positive impact on self- confidence that is more significant for females. These findings suggest that self-confidence is not simply driven by genetics. The significant effects of age, race, and the interplay between race and the life course suggest it is created by cultural socialization and experiences. I discuss how the gap exacerbates the wage gap and mental health gap.