Multi-Dimensional Skills and Gender Differences in Stem Majors

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Saltiel, Fernando
• 署名单位: McGill University; McGill University
• 刊物名称: ECONOMIC JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0013-0133
• DOI: 10.1093/ej/ueac079
• 发表日期: 2023
• 页码: 1217-1247
• 关键词: mathematics self-efficacy; college major; Measurement invariance; CHOICE; earnings; returns; ability; science; education; outcomes

摘要

This paper studies the relationship between pre-college skills and gender differences in STEM majors. I use longitudinal data to estimate a generalised Roy model of initial major choices and subsequent graduation outcomes. I recover students' latent math ability, non-cognitive skills and math self-efficacy. High-math-ability women have lower math self-efficacy than men. Mathematical ability and self-efficacy shape the likelihood of STEM enrolment. A lack of math self-efficacy drives women's drop out from STEM majors. I find large returns to STEM enrolment for high-math-ability women. Well-focused math self-efficacy interventions could improve women's STEM graduation rates and labour market outcomes.