Will Artificial Intelligence Get in the Way of Achieving Gender Equality?

Abstract

We conduct two survey experiments to examine gender differences in generative AI adoption and potential labor market consequences. First, we document a substantial gender gap among students at a top business school in Norway, with female students, particularly top students, opting out of AI use. Second, a survey of managers shows acquiring AI skills significantly enhances job prospects for top female students currently opting out. Finally, we provide causal evidence on policy tools to close this gap. Our findings show generative AI could widen existing gender gaps in the labor market, but appropriate encouragement and policies can prevent this outcome.