Gender stereotyping in accounting education, why few female students choose accounting

Abstract This study adds to the regional and global discourse and understanding of gender stereotyping in accounting education in a Middle Eastern context by investigating the impact of family, society, and the accountants’ work environment as being more suitable for men, on majoring in accounting. Data were collected through a field survey from 830 business students from three universities in Jordan. Structural equation analyses of the quantitative data show a significant influence of patriarchal values on college students and gender stereotyping of accounting as a profession. Accountants’ work environments are still perceived by respondents as being more suitable for men, reflecting slow social changes and denying the accounting profession diversity and the potential contributions of women to the profession.