A topic that pops up on this blog from time to time is the push for government regulation in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Because more men than women enroll in STEM fields, critics shout for government help, usually in the form of increased Title IX enforcement, to fix this “problem.”
In a new paper released today, Carrie Lukas delves into the issue and argues that the application of Title IX would be unnecessary and an inappropriate use of government power. The paper explores claims that discrimination is the primary cause of men’s and women’s different participation rates and details the many other factors — such as differences in aptitudes, temperament, and interest — that likely contribute to this outcome.