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Understanding Low Levels of Participation and Diversity in Economics: A Survey of High School Students

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  • Tanya Livermore
  • Mike Major

Abstract

Using data from a novel survey of over 4800 students, we examine the low levels of participation and diversity in Economics at Australia's high schools. We find that student demand for Economics as a subject is strongly associated with socio‐educational advantage and sex, even when accounting for sample selection in whether schools offer Economics. Students typically have positive perceptions of economics as a field; however, the perceptions of Economics as a subject tend to be negative. Males compared to females, and students from more socio‐educationally advantaged schools compared to less socio‐educationally advantaged schools have more favorable perceptions of Economics as a subject, which is reflected in a higher likelihood of them choosing to study Economics. Controlling for a greater perceived understanding of what the subject of Economics is about does reduce some of the sex and socio‐educational differences in perceptions, but a gap remains.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanya Livermore & Mike Major, 2025. "Understanding Low Levels of Participation and Diversity in Economics: A Survey of High School Students," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 64(3), pages 368-379, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausecp:v:64:y:2025:i:3:p:368-379
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8454.12402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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