15-02-2025: The research team composed of Andreu Arenas (Universitat de Barcelona and IVALUA), Lídia Farré (IAE-CSIC & BSE), and María Cecilia Ramírez-Michelena (Universitat de Barcelona) is participating in a project funded by the Chaire Femmes et Science at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL to investigate the underrepresentation of women in STEM.
The project investigates the persistent underrepresentation of women in STEM fields by analyzing how adolescents' self-perceived comparative strengths in math and reading influence their educational and career choices. Using rich longitudinal data on Catalan students, the study explores how self-assessed skills affect decisions regarding high school and post-secondary education paths. Additionally, the project proposes an innovative information-based intervention aimed at middle school students, designed to raise awareness of gender disparities in STEM, highlight the relevance of comparative advantages, and present the skills needed to succeed in these fields. By empowering students to make informed decisions aligned with their interests and abilities, the initiative seeks to encourage greater female participation in STEM and reduce existing gender gaps.
