Extreme temperatures: Gender differences in well-being

Abstract

This study examines how daily temperatures are related to individual well-being, using data from the American Time Use Survey. Results, derived from a flexible specification for daily temperatures that accounts for non-linear relationships between temperature and well-being and incorporates historical regional heterogeneity across counties, reveal gender-specific patterns at the upper tail of the temperature distribution. Men exhibit greater vulnerability to extreme hot days, experiencing fatigue and decreased meaningfulness on these days. These associations are particularly pronounced during market work episodes, suggesting a potential adverse relationship between extreme hot temperatures and productivity. The findings highlight the need for climate adaptation strategies that address these gender-specific vulnerabilities.