www discovereconomics ac uk Discover Econ Discover Economics
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www. discovereconomics. ac. uk @Discover. Econ #Discover. Economics
There is a lack of diversity in the economics profession
Unfortunately, the pipeline is not looking any better
Who is taking A level economics? One in six boys One in seventeen girls
Who is taking A level economics? One in four boys at all-boys schools One in seventeen girls
Who is taking A level economics? One in five students at independent schools One in twelve students at comprehensive/ academy schools & colleges
The gender gap in economics A level is growing Number of students taking economics A level 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 2014 2015 2016 Female 2017 Male 2018 2019
Economics lags behind social science and STEM Share of women, A level/ undergraduate 0. 9 0. 8 0. 7 0. 6 0. 5 0. 4 0. 3 0. 2 0. 1 Alevel Source: A level entries 2018, HESA 2016/17 UG g tin pu m ph ys ics co ec on om ics hs at m s es sin bu ics po lit hy og ge ist em ch ra p ry y og bi ol la w lo ho yc ps so c io l og gy y 0
The economic case for intervention We need to be diverse to: • Attract the brightest and the best • Reflect the society we are shaping • Foster intellectual growth
“What three words would you use to describe what economics is about? ” But this is the perception of economics among 15 -17 year olds
• Three year campaign • Change how economics is perceived • Broaden its appeal • Attract students from under-represented groups • • Engage and enthuse potential students Website (www. discovereconomics. ac. uk) Outreach activities Student ambassador programme “I enjoyed understanding how many different "types" of economists there are, it made me really think seriously about doing it in uni” “It was a good experience to meet economists face to face”
