Journal of Engineering Education Research (공학교육연구)

Korean Society for Engineering Education (한국공학교육학회)
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Gender Disparity in Engineering: Why Chose an Engineering Major and Why Regret It?

공학계열 전공 선택 동기와 후회에 대한 남녀 차이

  • Received : 2023.04.20
  • Accepted : 2023.06.08
  • Published : 2023.07.31
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Abstract

The underrepresentation of women in engineering has received considerable attention. A series of policies and practices have been developed to promote gender-balanced participation in engineering. This study focuses on gender disparities in reasons for the choice of engineering majors and regret of that choice. The regression results show that compared to their male counterparts, women are found to select an engineering major primarily based on their high school GPA or CSAT scores rather than their aptitudes and interests. Accordingly, women regret their major choice more than men due to mismatched expectations and abilities or unsatisfactory postgraduate labor market outcomes. The findings provide policy insights to improve gender equity in engineering by further enhancing career education in secondary schools.

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