The Underrepresentation of Women in Economics: A Study of Undergraduate Economics Students

Using Harvard University data, the authors present an analysis of why women are less likely than men to major in economics. Contrary to common wisdom, math background explains only a limited part of the gender difference in students' decisions to major in economics after taking an introductory...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of economic education 1997-10, Vol.28 (4), p.350-368
Main Authors: Dynan, Karen E., Rouse, Cecilia Elena
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic degrees
Classrooms
Course Selection (Students)
Datasets
Decision Making
Economic surveys
Economics
Economics Education
Education
Educational sector
Enrollment Influences
Features and Information
Females
Gender differences
Harvard University MA
Higher Education
Hypotheses
Introductory Courses
Macroeconomics
Mathematical Aptitude
Mathematical data
Mathematical variables
Mathematics
Mathematics education
Mathematics Skills
Men
Microeconomics
Role models
SAT assessment
Sex Differences
Sex role
Skills
Social aspects
Standardized tests
Student Characteristics
Student Educational Objectives
Student Interests
Student retention
Student surveys
Study and teaching
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Study
United States
Women
Women college students
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Description
Summary:Using Harvard University data, the authors present an analysis of why women are less likely than men to major in economics. Contrary to common wisdom, math background explains only a limited part of the gender difference in students' decisions to major in economics after taking an introductory course. Women do less well in economics courses relative to their other courses, possibly because of differing tastes or information about the nature of economics.
ISSN:0022-0485
2152-4068
DOI:10.1080/00220489709597939