Although there has been a striking reversal in the gender gap in higher education, women pursue STEM degrees at much lower rates than their male peers. An October Sociology of Education article, “The High School Sociology Environment and the Gender Gap in Science and Engineering,” examines the role of the high school on the ability to attract female students to STEM field majors. The research finds that the high school effect (a School’s STEM curriculum and gender segregation in extracurricular activities) is large and durable. For instance, the researchers found that going to a school that supports girls’ STEM orientations reduces the gender gap by 25 percent or more.

What are some other research questions that this study spurs?

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