Lack of knowledge deters women from studying Economics

Summary

Using survey evidence from over 1,000 UK 17‐year‐olds concerning their choice of A‐level subjects and their views of Economics, we look for insight into the recent marked decline in the popularity of A‐level Economics and the internationally recognized issue of the under‐representation of women in Economics. We find no significant differences across the sexes in their opinions of the subject and their declared level of interest in Economics once it is being studied. However, among those who did not choose to study Economics, it seems there is a gender difference ‐women are less willing to venture into the unknown of Economics with the information at present available to them. Active marketing of the subject may have a positive impact on student numbers.

Keywords:

• gender
• economics