Work

Gender Differences Over the Span of College: Challenges to Achieving Equity

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Although educational and occupational gains made by women in recent decades have given rise to a popular notion that gender equity has been achieved, signifi cant gender differences in the college student population exist across a variety of domains. Focusing on three major areas—(1) Financial Background; (2) Academic Self-Confidence and Engagement; and (3) Degree, Major, and Career Aspirations—this study examines historical trends in gender differences observed among entering college students over the past 4 decades and assesses changes in the gender gap occurring over 4 years of college. Results reveal significant sex differentials across all categories and show that gender differences observed at the point of college entry tend to remain steady over 4 years of college, though some narrowing and/or magnification of gender differences is observed. The implications for improving campus gender equity are discussed.

Source: NASPA Journal About Women In Higher Education

DOI: 10.2202/1940-7890.1003

Authors: Linda J. Sax, Emily Arms

Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2013170703