No Evidence for the Evolutionary Resource Hypothesis as an Explanation of the Gender-Equality Paradox

This study tested predictions derived from the resource hypothesis, which is commonly invoked to explain the gender-equality paradox. Three waves of data from the Midlife in the US study, which comprised a large longitudinal sample of adults ( N = 7,108), were used. During the study period, gender equality and real gross domestic product increased in the United States. Sex differences in altruism, negative affect, trust, agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness did not change across the three time points. Changes in income were not associated with subsequent changes in negative affect, depression, trust, agreeableness, extraversion, neuroticism, or openness. The few significant findings observed were in the opposite direction of those predicted by the resource hypothesis.