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Math ability, gender stereotypes about math ability, and educational choices. Combining experimental and survey data

Author

Listed:
  • Dominique Cappelletti

    (Department of Economics (University of Verona))

  • Maria Vittoria Levati

    (Department of Economics (University of Verona))

  • Matteo Ploner

    (CEEL, University of Trento)

Abstract

The underrepresentation of females in STEM fields negatively affects productivity growth and contributes to labour market inequalities. In countries where children are tracked in educational trajectories from high school (as in Italy, 8th grade), it is crucial to understand what drives gendered pathways before educational segregation starts. Collecting experimental and survey data from Italian 8th graders, we find that perceived comparisons with peers are predictors of the likelihood that girls choose a math-intensive track during high school. Policy initiatives improving girls' expectations about their relative math performance may thus encourage female students to pursue a STEM track.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominique Cappelletti & Maria Vittoria Levati & Matteo Ploner, 2022. "Math ability, gender stereotypes about math ability, and educational choices. Combining experimental and survey data," Working Papers 07/2022, University of Verona, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ver:wpaper:07/2022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    School choice; Math ability; Gender stereotypes; Beliefs; STEM;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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