The decline of male enrollment in higher education: Implications for labour market productivity in Western Countries

Crowe, Seán (2025) The decline of male enrollment in higher education: Implications for labour market productivity in Western Countries. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

At its essence, this dissertation investigates the implications of male underrepresentation in higher education enrollment on labour market productivity and economic equity in Western countries. Acting as an anchor, the research question that guided this study was as follows, “What are the implications of male underrepresentation in higher education enrollment for labour market productivity in Western countries?” The central hypothesis clearly posits in this study that the declining male enrollment in higher education negatively impacts labor market productivity and exacerbates economic inequities. This concern emerges from robust empirical data showing a consistent gender gap reversal in tertiary education, where females now outnumber males in most developed Western nations (Buchmann & DiPrete, 2006; Vincent-Lancrin, 2008).With an emphasis placed and grounded broader context of labor market dynamics and educational attainment, considering how socio-cultural factors and evolving economic demands contribute to male disengagement.

Existing literature highlights the multi-dimensional nature of this issue, linking it to shifts in social expectations, educational systems, and labor market requirements (Autor & Wasserman, 2013; Reeves, 2022). Notably, the research draws from quantitative data, such as graduation trends in Ireland and the United States (Central Statistics Office, 2024); National Center for Education Statistics, 2021), to illustrate the extent of gender disparities. In order to complement secondary data, an original survey was administered via LinkedIn and Outlook targeting professionals across Western countries. The survey was designed to gather demographic data and attitudinal responses on male underrepresentation in higher education and its perceived effects on workforce productivity and economic equity. Employing Likert-scale questions and qualitative responses, this mixed-method approach enriches the analysis by capturing contemporary perspectives from diverse sectors. By critically examining these factors, the dissertation aims to contribute to academic discourse and inform policy interventions addressing gender imbalances in education and labor markets. Ultimately, this research seeks to highlight pathways to foster inclusive educational environments that support balanced gender participation, enhancing economic productivity and equity in the evolving global economy.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email MacDonald, Robert UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Gender H Social Sciences > Economics > Microeconomics > Production (Economic theory) > Industrial productivity > Labor productivity H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Labour Market
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Business Studies
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	19 Mar 2026 10:39
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2026 10:39
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9177

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