Beyond pink and blue: how gender roles mediate sex differences in risk-taking

Risk-taking propensity is a key factor behind decisions spanning economics, finance or health. Studies show males tend to take more risk than females, albeit reasons remain debated. The authors investigate this on a large student sample (n = 3,236), examining whether a gender measure (BEM-sex role inventory) mediates the relationship between biological sex and risk taking. As per previous studies, males report more risk in driving, finance, sports, work and health. The authors find no difference in social trust decisions. Mediation analysis offers a more nuanced perspective. Being male drives masculinity up. In turn, masculinity is linked to risk-taking (driving, finance, sport, work), but feminity is also related to work risk. Feminity reduces driving risk. Trust risk-taking is unique, as it is driven up by feminity, and down by masculinity.