Gender composition, social context, and academic performance in high-stakes examinations

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Huang, Hai; Huang, Wei; Shi, Xinzheng; Zhang, Ming-ang
• 署名单位: Peking University; Peking University; Tsinghua University; Tsinghua University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0304-3878
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2025.103509
• 发表日期: 2025
• 关键词: Gender composition; High-stakes examination; social norms; gender disparities; CHINA

摘要

This study examines how gender composition in high-stakes examination settings affects academic performance, using data from over 250,000 students in China's National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao). Leveraging random seating assignments, we show that female students significantly improve their scores and increase their chances of university admission when seated with more female peers, particularly those in immediate view. Male students show no significant response. These positive effects are stronger in regions with greater gender equality and weaker Confucian norms, highlighting the role of local social contexts. Our findings suggest that gender composition and social environment significantly influence academic outcomes in competitive settings, with implications for reducing gender disparities in education.