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The Gender Gap in Economics Degrees: An Investigation of the Role Model and Quantitative Requirements Hypotheses

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  • Tisha L. N. Emerson
  • KimMarie McGoldrick
  • John J. Siegfried
Abstract
Using a panel of 159 institutions over 10 years, we investigate the role model effect of women faculty and quantitative requirements on the female proportion of undergraduate economics majors. We find no evidence that female faculty attract female students. Calculus, however, does matter. A one semester calculus requirement is associated with more female majors at institutions offering business degrees and liberal arts colleges. A second semester calculus requirement deters women from majoring in economics at Ph.D.–granting universities, but is associated with more female majors at liberal arts colleges. Econometrics requirements are unrelated to the gender gap in economics majors.

Suggested Citation

  • Tisha L. N. Emerson & KimMarie McGoldrick & John J. Siegfried, 2018. "The Gender Gap in Economics Degrees: An Investigation of the Role Model and Quantitative Requirements Hypotheses," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 84(3), pages 898-911, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:84:y:2018:i:3:p:898-911
    DOI: 10.1002/soej.12247
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fred H. Smith & Christina Zenker, 2014. "Still staying away: Women and the economics major – evidence from two Southern liberal arts colleges," Econometrics Letters, Bilimsel Mektuplar Organizasyonu (Scientific letters), vol. 1(2), pages 1-7.
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    Cited by:

    1. Arnold, Ivo J.M., 2020. "Gender and major choice within economics: Evidence from Europe," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    2. Graziella Bertocchi & Luca Bonacini & Marina Murat, 2021. "Adams and Eves:The Gender Gap in Economics Major," CHILD Working Papers Series 95 JEL Classification: J., Centre for Household, Income, Labour and Demographic Economics (CHILD) - CCA.
    3. Alexandre Truc & François Claveau & Catherine Herfeld & Vincent Larivière, 2024. "Gender Homogeneity in Philosophy and Methodology of Economics: Evidence from Publication Patterns," GREDEG Working Papers 2024-25, Groupe de REcherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG CNRS), Université Côte d'Azur, France.
    4. Truc, Alexandre & Claveau, François & Herfeld, Catherine & Larivière, Vincent, 2024. "Gender Homogeneity in Philosophy and Methodology of Economics: Evidence from Publication Patterns," SocArXiv ck6s9, Center for Open Science.
    5. Megalokonomou, Rigissa & Vidal-Fernandez, Marian & Yengin, Duygu, 2021. "Underrepresentation of Women in Undergraduate Economics Degrees in Europe: A Comparison with STEM and Business," IZA Policy Papers 175, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    6. Grace Eau & Derek Hoodin & Tareena Musaddiq, 2022. "Testing the effects of adaptive learning courseware on student performance: An experimental approach," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 88(3), pages 1086-1118, January.
    7. Engelhardt, Bryan & Johnson, Marianne & Meder, Martin E., 2021. "Learning in the time of Covid-19: Some preliminary findings," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
    8. Graziella Bertocchi & Luca Bonacini & Marina Murat, 2023. "Adams and Eves: High school math and the gender gap in Economics majors," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 61(4), pages 798-817, October.
    9. Graziella Bertocchi & Luca Bonacini & Marina Murat, 2021. "Adams and Eves: The Gender Gap in Economics Majors," Department of Economics 0196, University of Modena and Reggio E., Faculty of Economics "Marco Biagi".

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