Preferences or institutonal constraints? Explanatons for the persistng impact of gender and social background on feld of study choice

Field of study choice is an important sociological topic. On the societal level, Switzerland is currently struggling from a shortage of STEM graduates. On the individual level, field of study and qualifications obtained have a substantial impact on individual’s life outcomes, since career prospects are more favorable for graduates of STEM fields and other professional fields (e.g. medicine, business). Field of study choice is thus an important step in individuals’ life course. While plenty of evidence exists showing that men and women, as well as individuals from lower and higher social background, choose different fields of study, much less is known about the exact reasons for this behavior. This project complements previous research in a novel way by providing an innovative analysis of the mechanisms of gender- and class-based field of study choice at tertiary level.

In order to examine the mechanisms responsible for gender- and social class-based field of study segregation, this project will focus rigorously on how individuals’ preferences and the (institutional) constraints they face are responsible for their decision-making. Specifically, I am interested in the following three points: First, what preferences affect field of study plans; second, how these preferences, plans, and the final field of study choice are linked; and third, whether and how contextual factors such as university access barriers and study environment influence decision-making. In contrast to most previous research, this project explicitly suggests mechanisms that might be responsible for the patterns observed. In order to test the exact mechanisms in detail, I will use an innovative mixed-methods approach applying survey experiments, longitudinal data analysis, and qualitative data analysis.

The findings of the project will help to clarify whether social class and gender differentials affect the field of study choice in Switzerland and thus contribute to persisting social inequality, and whether institutional constraints in the form of access barriers to university exacerbate these inequalities. These results will also inform the ongoing debate on whether women’s preferences are responsible for the persistent occupational gender segregation in the labor market or whether women are deterred from certain fields of studies due to an inhospitable study environment.