Seminar in Empirical Microeconomics - Math Skills, Perceptions of Fit, and Occupational Choice
Time
Thursday, 11. May 2023
12:00 - 13:15
Location
F428
Organizer
Chair of Economic Policy
Speaker:
Anne Ardila Brenøe (University of Zurich)
Math Skills, Perceptions of Fit, and Occupational Choice
Abstract: We study gender differences in the preferences, beliefs, and search behavior of Swiss students who are imminently choosing apprenticeships. Although there is no gender difference in math skills, we document a substantial gender gap in preferences for and plans to apply to math-intensive apprenticeships. Motivated by the observation that beliefs about math skills and fit explain over 20% of the preference gap, we conduct a field experiment that randomizes the provision of gender-specific information on math ability and fit. We analyze the effects of the intervention on beliefs, preferences, search behavior, applications, and apprenticeship choice.