• Ivana Pasciuta  (University Bozen-Bolsano): « I Challenge You!” Competition and Gender in a TV game show« 

Abstract:

We explore the existence of gender discrimination in an Italian TV game show (L’Eredità)—an environment resembling a natural experiment—where contestants can choose with whom to directly compete. The high-stakes decision-making setting and the heterogeneity of the sample allow for a comprehensive analysis of economically relevant gender discriminatory behavior in the selection of an opponent in competition. Using data from 121 episodes, we investigate discrimination through conditional logistic regression models.
Results indicate a “battle of the sexes”: men choose to compete against women, and vice versa. This pattern remains significant after controlling for performance and level of education, indicating that statistical discrimination should play no role. However, we exercise caution in claiming taste-based discrimination, acknowledging the possibility of inaccurate statistical discrimination: agents might either have animus towards the opposite gender or hold incorrect beliefs about productivity due to heuristics or missing information. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, we elicit beliefs about players’ ability in an online experiment. Preliminary evidence points to own-gender favoritism as a potential driver.
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• Carla Morvan (CEE-M) : « When Nature Strikes Repeatedly: Heterogeneous Budgetary Responses of Municipalities to Natural Disasters  « 

Abstract:

Natural disasters can affect territories not just once but repeatedly, with increasing frequency and intensity. This paper analyzes the causal impact of natural disasters on municipalities’ budgetary decisions, accounting for both the sporadic nature and repetition of these extreme events. Using an original dataset covering all French municipalities from 2000 to 2022, I employ a staggered difference-in-differences methodology with a non binary treatment approach. The findings reveal that each disaster triggers an immediate increase in municipal spending, followed by a long-term rise in tax revenues. Additionally, a heterogeneity analysis highlights variations across territories vulnerability and disaster types, shedding light on the specific factors that shape municipal responsess.

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