Mathematics A-level leads to higher earnings for men

Citation

(2006), "Mathematics A-level leads to higher earnings for men", Education + Training, Vol. 48 No. 8/9. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2006.00448hab.006

Mathematics A-level leads to higher earnings for men

Men who have an A-level in mathematics are more likely to earn higher wages than their male peers who have A-levels in other subjects, a survey reveals. Based on data collected by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies at the Institute of Education, researchers examined a sample of men born in one week in 1958. They found that, at age 33, men who had an A-level in mathematics earned between 10 and 14 per cent more than similarly educated students without a mathematics A-level.

Dr Anna Vignoles, who carried out the research, said: “This finding suggests that students with high-level mathematical skills are in particular demand in today’s labour market. The skills a student learns in this subject, such as logical thinking, problem solving and statistical analysis, match closely the skills required in the workplace. The skills associated with other A-level subjects – even subjects generally considered harder than maths, such as physics or chemistry – simply do not have the same impact on earnings. More students should be encouraged to study for A-level mathematics.”

Further research carried out by Dr Vignoles and Professor Peter Dolton in this area revealed that employers are not willing to pay premium wages to those who have pursued a broad range of subjects at A-level. Dr Vignoles said: In the light of the most recent reforms to the 16-to-19 curriculum, which encourage students to study a broader range of subjects, this finding is rather worrying. Our research would indicate that the debate about the excessive over-specialisation at age 16 in the UK is somewhat misplaced.”