Title IX and Women’s Economic and Occupational Outcomes: Sports Participation as a Potential Pathway

Abstract

The passage of Title IX in 1972 required federally funded institutions to provide equal opportunities for men and women. High schools were required to be compliant with the law by 1978. Title IX had a particularly profound impact on female athletes. Between 1972 and 1978 the number of female high school athletes increased from 4% to 25%. This study examines the impact of Title IX, through the pathway of high school sports participation, on female labor force outcomes using difference-in-difference models. Prior research on the influence of athletics on labor force outcomes pertains primarily to men. Research that does address female athletics looks only at broad occupational outcomes for women early on in their careers (Stevenson, 2010). My study confirms and extends existing research. I find that there is a positive association between female high school sports participation and women entering into high level professions after peak fertility windows (ages 30 to 59).