Economics research seminar: Sarah Smith, University of Bristol

Sarah Smith, University of Bristol

Topic

Challenging stereotypes in economics   

abstract

When they decide what to study, students put considerable weight on non-financial attributes, choosing subjects that they think are interesting and that they will enjoy. Stereotyped beliefs about subjects – such as that economics is about money – may therefore distort subject choices. We present findings from a national outreach programme of taster sessions designed to challenge stereotyped beliefs about economics. The sessions increased students’ likelihood of choosing economics. They did this by changing students’ understanding of what economics is about and increasing their interest in studying the subject. These findings support the idea that challenging stereotyped beliefs about economics is key to attracting more diverse students into economics. More broadly, they highlight the need for students to have better information before making critical subject choices