The identification of Gender Bias in the U.S. Military
Abstract
Although females represent almost half of the U.S. civilian labor force, they account for less than 15 percent of the officers in the U.S. military. To account for this discrepancy, this thesis tests for gender bias within the U.S. military by analyzing unique datasets derived from Naval Postgraduate School. We first conduct a randomized control trial by means of a survey (n=234). One group responds to scenarios relating to one gender; the second group responds to the same scenarios but relating to the opposite gender. We then use statistical analysis and ordinary least squares models to compare responses between genders. Second, using NPS student evaluations of teaching (n=175,093), we conduct t tests, examine the correlation of evaluation questions on instructor effectiveness, and employ ordinary least squares models using student and course fixed effects, and instructor and course fixed effects while controlling for student, instructor, class and school characteristics to analyze how gender influences evaluations. Our results identify that students favor matched gender pairs, with the effect largest among male pairs. We found this effect to be of marginal economic significance. These findings may indicate the effectiveness of gender equality training, or may reflect the current social climate concerning gender bias.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1052895
Entities
People
- Brandon K. Wolf
- Luke T. Siwek
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School