Fields of Study

Women have become the majority of students in higher education in many countries, and have closed but not eliminated gender segregation within fields of study or majors. Women students still comprise a minority in nontraditional fields of study, such as business, engineering, information technology, mathematics, and the physical sciences, but have enjoyed larger percentage gains in many of these fields than men due to their previous underrepresentation. Gender stereotypes and gendered educational experiences that limit choice of fields of study show up early in the educational process and have lasting impacts. Gender inequities within fields of study can have long reaching impacts on career opportunities, earnings, and composition of the labor force.

Women have attained much greater access to higher education since the mid-to late-20th century. ...