Gender’s Impact on Majors in Higher Education: The Causes and the Consequences

Abstract

This paper looks at gender segregation in higher education. I am examining why certain majors are perceived as feminine and masculine, and what students experience when they study fields that do not socially align with their gender. I also summarize the impact gender socialization has on men and women choosing their fields of study and the consequences higher education gender segregation has beyond college. Feminine and masculine should not be labels affiliated with majors and they should not be a precursor for determining the value of majors.