Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/161209 
Year of Publication: 
2017
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 10586
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We use idiosyncratic variation in gender composition across cohorts within Norwegian lower-secondary schools to analyze the impact of female peers on students' grades and choices of STEM subjects. We find that more female peers in lower secondary increases girls' probability of choosing STEM-courses in upper secondary, and the effect on choices is larger than the effect on grades. Survey evidence suggests that a potential mechanism is an improved classroom environment. Boys' performance is negatively affected by more female peers. They also start upper secondary later and more often choose vocational studies.
Subjects: 
gender
education
peer effects
JEL: 
I21
J16
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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