21.04.2011, 16:08 6006

Men get paid more than women because they are more competitive

Researchers say competitiveness in boys can be explained why women's salaries tend to lag behind men's, Kazakhstan Today reports.

Almaty. April 21. Kazakhstan Today - Researchers say competitiveness in boys can be explained why women's salaries tend to lag behind men's, Kazakhstan Today reports.

It is something that any woman with lots of brothers already knows to her cost: boys are more competitive than girls, the Daily Mail reported.

Even at the tender age of three or four, boys are more likely to rise to a challenge.

The researchers are unsure if the trait can be explained by nature or nurture. But, whatever the reason, they say it could help explain why women's salaries tend to lag behind men's.

The Austrian study, which will be presented at the Royal Economic Society's annual conference today, involved two experiments.

In the first, children aged between three and eight took part in a 30m sprint after being given the choice to run alone or in competition with others.

In the second, older children, aged nine to 18, were given the choice of doing a simple maths test either individually or as part of a contest.

In each case, the youngsters were paid - with the rewards higher for those who competed.

The girls were much less likely to compete - despite being as good at maths and being as likely to win the running race.

The University of Innsbruck researchers said the finding that males are happy to take on challenges from an early age could provide one reason why men consistently earn more than women in the workplace.

'To be successful in getting more attractive and better-paid jobs in the modern economy, it is important to face up to the challenge of competition instead of shying away from it.'

Another recent study came up with the controversial theory that the best way for a woman to succeed in a man's world is to act like a lady.

Past research has shown that women oozing with self-confidence, assertiveness and other characteristics linked with successful management can be side-lined at work in favour of meeker types.

It is thought that while such traits are highly-prized in men, go-getting women are penalised for not being feminine enough.

A recent report warning that female managers will not match the salaries of their male colleagues until 2067.

The average male manager is paid a basic salary of 41,337 pounds but the average female boss is only on 31,306 pounds.

Photo: holykaw.alltop.com

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