Optimizing Resources to Address STEM Gender Disparities in Western China

Abstract

This research elucidates gender inequality in STEM fields in western China, leveraging extensive data from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) encompassing 20,000 students from 112 schools. It explores disparities in educational outcomes and aspirations in STEM, framed by gender and economic backgrounds. The study employs a conceptual framework and optimization model to categorize schools by location and rank and propose an equitable resource allocation method to mitigate gender gaps. By focusing on optimizing resource distribution to address disparities, this study contributes to fostering a diverse and inclusive STEM environment, offering insights for policy improvements and interventions aimed at promoting gender and economic equity in education in China.