At HARTE UEA, in conjunction with the School of Economics’ Equality and Diversity in Economics Committee (EDE), we are dedicated to enhancing access to economics education for all students. It is evident that students from underrepresented groups are less likely to pursue studies in economics. For instance, despite women constituting over 50% of the university population, they represent only around 30% in economics. Additionally, economics attracts the lowest proportion of students from low POLAR areas, according to statistics from Who Studies Economics? and Diversity in Economics.
Equal access to career opportunities for economics graduate students is crucial. However, evidence indicates that economics students from ethnic minority groups and lower socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to secure graduate positions as economists (Advani et al., 2020).
Moreover, economists from underrepresented groups face challenges in advancing their careers, a phenomenon known as the “leaky pipeline.” This term describes the decreasing representation of underrepresented groups as they progress along their career paths.
Transitioning to the professional world often means facing a job market where biases can hinder recruitment and advancement opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups. Recognising and addressing these barriers is crucial for economic efficiency. By fostering an inclusive work environment where talents are equitably recognised and supported, businesses can fully leverage diverse skills and perspectives. This not only creates a more supportive workplace but also enhances overall productivity and innovation.
To gain further insights, listen to Atinuke’s reflection on her student experience in ECO and her work at the Bank of England in this podcast episode: Atinuke’s Reflection.
Explore more about our commitment and resources on our Diversity sub-pages.