Why relatively few women choose higher education in science

The French study choice platform Parcoursup shows that a majority of men choose to study science and technology compared to women, Anne Boring writes in The Conversation. Both the French government and the European Commission have launched various initiatives to get more women into science. The fact that these initiatives are being organised across Europe means that the results could also be significant in the Netherlands. 'The results are probably not specific to France alone, but more research is needed for the Dutch situation,' says Boring.

Women are more likely to choose courses in healthcare, humanities and social sciences, arts, languages and art. Boring's French research shows that differences in passion as a determining factor, the influence of parents, and the broad interests of women in secondary education can play a role in these study choices.

Determining factors in women's choice of study programme

Previous research has already shown that persistent gender stereotypes can play a role in the difference in choice of study programme. The results of Boring's survey show that other factors also play a role.

Women are more likely to choose a field of study based on their passions, even if that choice may disadvantage them later in the labour market. Women who follow their passions are more likely to choose arts, humanities and social sciences. The results also show that parents have less influence on their daughters' choice of study than on that of their sons. Women receive more support from their parents in the field of study they choose, even if this may later lead to lower paid jobs. This may explain why women are more likely to follow their passion.

It also appears that more than half of the differences between women and men in their choice of higher education can be explained by the preferences developed in secondary education for different subjects. Women generally have more varied tastes, and choosing courses in science and technology means that they have to give up other subjects they love.

Increasing enthusiasm for science

It is important to get women excited about science and technology so that they are more likely to choose these fields of study. Role models who can inspire women to pursue science before they choose their field of study, and the development of multidisciplinary fields of study that combine science, social sciences and humanities, can help in this regard.