Sharp Bounds and Testability of a Roy Model of STEM Major Choices

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2020
Volume: 128
Issue: 8
Pages: 3220 - 3283

Authors (3)

Ismaël Mourifié (not in RePEc) Marc Henry (Pennsylvania State University) Romuald Méango (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We analyze the empirical content of the Roy model, stripped down to sector-specific unobserved heterogeneity and self-selection on the basis of potential outcomes. We characterize sharp bounds on the joint distribution of potential outcomes and testable implications of the Roy model. We apply these bounds to derive a measure of departure from Roy self-selection, so as to identify prime targets for intervention. Special emphasis is put on the case of binary outcomes. We analyze a Roy model of college major choice in Canada and Germany and take a new look at the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/708724
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25