Examining gender differences in Korea of preferences for behaviorally informed policies

ABSTRACT The worldwide growth of behaviorally informed policies raises many questions about the universality of application across cultures and demographics. While the findings of behavioral economics – the foundation for nudge policy – are well described in the basic research literature, there is still the need to test the efficacy of various policies applied in different contexts. This research examines the differences of preference for a number of nudge policies, with special attention to the gender of South Koreans. A survey measured respondents’ approval of 38 hypothetical nudge policies that fell into seven topical groups. The results showed significant differences between the genders; Korean women were often more favorable to progressive nudge policies than men. The findings suggest opportunities for applying nudges in Korean society to optimize outcomes with progressive policies and social welfare developments. More broadly, this affirms the need to tailor nudge policies across and within contexts for enhanced results.