Gender gap in university studies of economics-business area: Evidence from Spain

Abstract

This research provides new empirical evidence of the gender gap in university studies in the economics-business area based on econometric analysis (mean difference, OLS, quantile regression, logit/probit). The sample includes 717 first-year students of the 2016–2020 economics, business administration and management, and marketing degree courses at the University of Seville, Spain. Gender differences favoring female students both in the variables prior to entering the university and in university academic success indicators are documented. The findings continue to indicate the underrepresentation of women in these studies (40.4%), even though better academic performance and retention results for women are documented in the estimated models. The dissemination of these results could encourage females to choose these studies, thereby helping to achieve more equality in the profession.