Research in focus
FWF-Project: Affluence and the gender gap in STEM study choices

Surprisingly, female underrepresentation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors is larger in more affluent societies. This Gender-Equality Paradox (GEP) is theoretically explained by individuals' greater economic opportunities for gendered self-expression. Yet, what the effect is of individual-level household affluence on men's and women's STEM study preferences and choices is largely unknown, let alone whether household affluence accounts for GEP. In addition, the literature did not investigate mediators of household affluence effects and variation in these effects across contexts.
Primary researchers involved
Wilfred Uunk (Principal investigator)
Contact information
Faculty of Social and Political Science
University of Innsbruck
Dean's Office
Universitaetsstrasse 15, rooms o-1.01 & o-1.02
A-6020 Innsbruck
Tel: +43 512 507-30060
Fax: +43 512 507-30069
E-Mail: dean-sopo[at]uibk.ac.at
Event calender
- 12.10.2023: Conflicts, Sexual Violence and Women Empowerment? Insights from Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Sri Lanka
Guest talk by Carlo Koos (University of Bergen) on the micro-level effects of armed conflicts and sexual violence on women’s empowerment. On Thursday, October 12, 2023; 15:00; Meeting Zone (Besprechungszone), Department of Political Science, University of Innsbruck.
Events | 12.10.2023 - 18.10.2023: The Nuclear Dimensions of the War against Ukraine
This event discusses the nuclear risks associated with the war against Ukraine as well as the impact of the war on nuclear arms control and disarmament. The event will also include information on career, internship, and other opportunities in the field as well as an overview of the work of the EUNPDC.
Events | 18.10.2023