Publication: Journal of Economic Education
Volume: Volume 28, No. 4
Issue: Fall 1997
Pages: 350-368
Author(s): Karen Dynan (Federal Reserve Board) and Cecilia Elena Rouse (Princeton University)
Address (Principal Author):Cecilia Elena Rouse, Department of Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Robertson Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544, Phone: 619-258-4042, Fax: 619-258-2907
Internet Address (Principal Author):
Title: The Underrepresentation of Women in Economics: A Study of Undergraduate Economics Students
Abstract: Using Harvard University data, an analysis of why women are less likely than men to major in economics is presented. Contrary to common wisdom, math background explains only a limited part of the gender difference in students' decisions to major in economics after taking an introductory course. Women do less well in economics courses relative to their other courses possibly because of differing tastes or information about the nature of economics.