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De la cobertura al desempeño: Explorando las brechas de género en el sistema educativo colombiano

Author

Listed:
  • Ana María Iregui-Bohórquez
  • María Teresa Ramírez-Giraldo
  • Ligia Alba Melo-Becerra
  • Jorge Leonardo Rodríguez-Arenas

Abstract

En las últimas décadas, Colombia ha avanzado en la reducción de brechas de género en la cobertura educativa, pero persisten desigualdades significativas en el desempeño académico entre niños y niñas. Este estudio analiza dichas brechas durante el período 2014-2023, empleando un enfoque econométrico basado en las metodologías de Heckman (1979) y Arellano y Bonhomme (2017), y dos metodologías de emparejamiento propuestas por Iacus, King y Porro (2011) y Abadie e Imbens (2006; 2011). Se utilizan datos longitudinales de los resultados de estudiantes que presentaron las pruebas de desempeño académico en el grado 5° (Saber 5°) y en el grado 11° (Saber 11°), permitiendo controlar por variables como desempeño previo, condiciones socioeconómicas, características de los planteles educativos, ambiente escolar, y discapacidad, entre otros. Los resultados indican que, en 2023, los hombres superan a las mujeres en matemáticas y ciencias naturales al finalizar el grado 11°, incluso después de controlar por los diferentes factores. Sin embargo, estas diferencias no son completamente explicadas por las variables observadas, lo que sugiere la influencia de factores no observables, como normas sociales, estereotipos de género, y aversión al riesgo, entre otros. Este análisis subraya la necesidad de políticas públicas que aborden las desigualdades en el sistema educativo, dado el impacto del desempeño académico en las oportunidades futuras de las mujeres. **** ABTRACT: In recent decades, Colombia has made progress in reducing gender gaps in educational coverage, but inequalities in academic performance between boys and girls persist. This study analyzes these gaps during the period 2014–2023, employing an econometric approach based on the methodologies of Heckman (1979) and Arellano and Bonhomme (2017), as well as two matching methodologies proposed by Iacus, King, and Porro (2011) and Abadie and Imbens (2006; 2011). The analysis uses longitudinal data from students who took academic performance tests in 5th grade (Saber 5°) and 11th grade (Saber 11°), allowing control for variables such as prior performance, socioeconomic conditions, school characteristics, educational environment, and disabilities. The results indicate that, in 2023, boys outperform girls in mathematics and natural sciences at the end of 11th grade, even after controlling for various factors. However, these differences are not fully explained by the observed variables, suggesting the influence of unobservable factors such as social norms, gender stereotypes, and risk aversion, among others. This analysis underscores the need for public policies that address inequalities in the educational system, given the impact of academic performance on women’s future opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana María Iregui-Bohórquez & María Teresa Ramírez-Giraldo & Ligia Alba Melo-Becerra & Jorge Leonardo Rodríguez-Arenas, 2025. "De la cobertura al desempeño: Explorando las brechas de género en el sistema educativo colombiano," Borradores de Economia 1301, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdr:borrec:1301
    DOI: 10.32468/be.1301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    brecha de género; educación secundaria y media; desempeño académico; sesgo de selección; emparejamiento; gender gap; high school; academic performance; selection bias; matching;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C34 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Truncated and Censored Models; Switching Regression Models
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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