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Gender Differences in Predispositions towards Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Cynthia Bansak

    (Department of Economics, St. Lawrence University, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617, USA)

  • Martha Starr

    (Department of Economics, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA)

Abstract

Research has found that women tend to have more negative predispositions towards studying economics than men, which contributes to their underrepresentation in the field. This paper uses survey data on principles students at a large state university to investigate causes of this difference. We find that students widely view economics as a business-oriented field that prioritizes math skills and making money — a combination that is a turnoff for women, but not so much men. Thus, emphasizing uses of economics for social welfare analysis, while de-emphasizing its business applications, may help to rebalance predispositions at the outset of the principles class.

Suggested Citation

  • Cynthia Bansak & Martha Starr, 2010. "Gender Differences in Predispositions towards Economics," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 36(1), pages 33-57.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:36:y:2010:i:1:p:33-57
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Amanda Bayer & David W. Wilcox, 2019. "The unequal distribution of economic education: A report on the race, ethnicity, and gender of economics majors at U.S. colleges and universities," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(3), pages 299-320, July.
    2. Susan Offutt & Jill McCluskey, 2022. "How women saved agricultural economics," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(1), pages 4-22, March.
    3. Cynthia Harter & Diego Mendez-Carbajo, 2024. "Diving into the Gap: Recognizing Gender Differences in an Online Learning Activity," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 50(1), pages 79-102, January.
    4. Arnold, Ivo J.M., 2020. "Gender and major choice within economics: Evidence from Europe," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    5. Hadsell, Lester, 2020. "Not for want of trying: Effort and Success of women in principles of microeconomics," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    6. Verónica Amarante & Marisa Bucheli & Tatiana Pérez & Verónica Amarante, 2022. "Gender differences in opinions about market solutions and government interventions: the case of Uruguayan economists," Documentos de Trabajo (working papers) 22-01, Instituto de Economía - IECON.
    7. Zachary Ferrara & Carlos J. Asarta, 2023. "The Lived Experiences of Top Women Contributors to Leading Economic Education Journals," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 68(1), pages 110-125, March.
    8. Caroline Krafft & Kristine West & Ashley McFarlane & Elizabeth Kula & Fardowsa Abdinoor & Morgan Weyrens-Welch & Karri Drain, 2023. "Virtually Nonexistent: Gender and Racial Representation in Online K-12 Economics Lessons," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 49(1), pages 78-87, January.
    9. Emily C. Marshall & Brian O’Roark, 2023. "Journal Authorship by Gender: A Comparison of Economic Education, General Interest, and Fields From 2009 to 2019," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 68(1), pages 100-109, March.

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