HKS Authors

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Abstract

Globally, women remain underrepresented in STEM. Our lab-in-the-field study delves into parental influence on adolescents’ perceptions of scientific versus humanistic aptitude. We find that thinking about parental recommendation affects students’ beliefs on their comparative advantage in a gender-stereotypical way. Girls are 23% less likely to choose math when they think about their mothers’ recommendation before selecting their field. The paper underscores the critical role parents play in shaping gender-specific beliefs about academic strengths, highlighting potential avenues for fostering diversity in STEM.

Citation

Carlana, Michela, and Lucia Corno. "Thinking about Parents: Gender and Field of Study." HKS Faculty Research Working Paper Series RWP24-006, March 2024.