This paper investigates whether citizenship of immigrant students in the host country influences their choice of majors, and whether these effects differ by gender. Using detailed students' data from an Italian university, combined with characteristics of the countries of origin, I examine the effects of citizenship on enrolments in educational areas categorized by their mathematical content. Results indicate a decrease in the likelihood of enrolment in math-intensive fields among students who acquire citizenship, particularly among males, leading to a reduction in gender gaps. Moreover, gender gaps are smaller and show a more pronounced decrease with citizenship as gender inequality in countries increases. Results are corroborated by matching and instrumental variables strategies. These findings shed light on the existence of trade-offs between empowerment, as manifested through citizenship, and major choices.

Murat, M. "Citizenship, math and gender: Exploring immigrant students' choice of majors" Working paper, Global Labor Organization, 2024.

Citizenship, math and gender: Exploring immigrant students' choice of majors

Murat, M
2024

Abstract

This paper investigates whether citizenship of immigrant students in the host country influences their choice of majors, and whether these effects differ by gender. Using detailed students' data from an Italian university, combined with characteristics of the countries of origin, I examine the effects of citizenship on enrolments in educational areas categorized by their mathematical content. Results indicate a decrease in the likelihood of enrolment in math-intensive fields among students who acquire citizenship, particularly among males, leading to a reduction in gender gaps. Moreover, gender gaps are smaller and show a more pronounced decrease with citizenship as gender inequality in countries increases. Results are corroborated by matching and instrumental variables strategies. These findings shed light on the existence of trade-offs between empowerment, as manifested through citizenship, and major choices.
2024
Marzo
https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:glodps:1370
Global Labor Organization Discussion Papers
Murat, M
Murat, M. "Citizenship, math and gender: Exploring immigrant students' choice of majors" Working paper, Global Labor Organization, 2024.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11380/1368428
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