How to Improve Women's Success in PhD Programs in Economics

 This study documents wide and persistent variation in women’s representation and success across graduate programs in economics. Using new data on early career outcomes for recent graduates, including first job placement, publications and promotion, the authors compare (anonymized) departments on outcomes for women relative to men graduating from the same program. They then conduct interviews with faculty and former students from five programs higher and lower relative outcomes. 

The authors find that departments with higher outcomes for women also hire more women faculty, facilitate advisor-student contact, provide collegial research seminars, and are notable for senior faculty with awareness of gender issues.