A recent study published in Economic Theory by Michael Kaganovich (Indiana University) examines the factors that influence a student’s choice of postsecondary major and their persistence throughout their program. Drawing on a literature review, Kaganovich explains that many studies have noticed significant gender differences in program choice and persistence, though they have competing explanations for these differences. The author proposes a theoretical model that suggests that a student’s choices, reaction to grades, and their persistence in a program is ultimately influenced by their career preferences. Kaganovich argues that the benefits that a student expects from their future career determines how tolerant they are of poor academic outcomes and how willing they are to stick with a program. The gender biases noted by other researchers in retention, Kaganovich suggests, stem from gender differences in career preferences.
