The gendered tertiary education transition: when did it take place and what are some of the possible policy implications?

Abstract

There has been much publicity in recent years about how girls are performing better than boys in many areas of schooling (Driessen, 2005). But in recent times New Zealand has also experienced a gender transition in tertiary educational enrolment and attainment, with, for the first time in our history, women participating in tertiary education at a significantly higher rate than men. This article sets out the magnitude and timing of the changes, highlights some of the reasons being put forward for them, and considers how the changes might influence a range of behaviour.