Women in Engineering: The Role of Role Models

• In Event: International Foci on College Access

Abstract

Gender disparities in STEM field participation are a major cause of concern for policymakers around the world. Given the higher average level of earnings of STEM graduates, low enrollment rates of women in these fields contributes to gender-based inequalities in earnings and wealth. This paper studies the effects of exposure to role models on female enrollment in STEM fields. We conduct a randomized control trial where female students currently enrolled in engineering programs at an elite private university give talks about their experiences at randomly selected high schools. We find that exposure to this treatment increases enrollment in engineering, with the strongest effects for “high ability” female students.

Authors

• Marcos Agurto, Universidad de Piura

• Muchin Isabel Bazan Ruiz, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Siddharth Hari, World Bank

• Sudipta Sarangi, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University