What works: the book of iris bohnet as an ally for gender equality beyond speeches

Abstract

Here is presented a review of the book What works: gender equality by design, written by Iris Bohnet, a behavioral economist, professor at Harvard and co-director of the Women and Public Policy Program at the same institution. Her work combines economics and psychology and presents, based on several studies, behavioral tools to promote gender equality in institutions, from classrooms and work groups to boards of directors in companies and parliamentary chambers. Based on scientific evidence, the author demonstrates how to overcome gender biases by introducing simple and, in general, rapid and inexpensive interventions that maximize the performance and quality of life of the group. Only by changing behaviors. At the end of the review, it is pointed out how the insights presented by the author may contribute to the promotion of diversity – not just gender diversity – in Brazilian institutions. Finally, some initiatives that have already proved to be fruitful in Brazil are introduced.