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Exploring influences on the choice of fields of study in higher education: Evidence from Mexico

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  • Cazarez, Dulce Carolina Mendoza

Abstract

Research into access to fields of study in post-secondary education has received considerable attention worldwide in recent years. While previous work has largely examined disparities in entrance into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes, less research has been published on access to non-STEM areas of study. This article seeks to contribute to this line of research by examining the influences on students’ choice of fields of study in the Mexican higher education system. The quantitative analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logistic regression model. Data come from the Inter-Generational Social Mobility Module that was conducted in Mexico in 2016. The results indicate that the influence of gender, ethnicity, skin colour, and locality vary by field of study; in particular, women and persons from rural areas are less likely to enrol in STEM programmes, and indigenous people are more likely to enrol in non-STEM subjects such as education. A multidisciplinary theoretical framework was used to inform this research, and strategies to promote inclusion and social justice in education are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Cazarez, Dulce Carolina Mendoza, 2022. "Exploring influences on the choice of fields of study in higher education: Evidence from Mexico," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:93:y:2022:i:c:s0738059322000931
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2022.102643
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