The Past Speaks

Female students now outnumber males in Canadian universities. Some are suggesting that there should lower admission standards for male applicants. For the debate, see here.

I don’t see a problem with having more women than men in university. The fact that many men decide not to go to university may be economically rational. In Canada, there are still big sectors of economy where the ability to do tough physical labour is rewarded quite well. (Think oil sands). Although a few women can do these jobs, these occupations are mostly male. So for an able-bodied young man, the opportunity costs of higher education are greater than for they are for women. That’s why many don’t go.