EFFECTS OF FIELD OF EDUCATION ON LABOR MARKET OUTCOMES: THE CASE OF TÜRKİYE

This study explores the influence of higher education fields on labor market outcomes in Türkiye, addressing a critical gap in the literature. Utilizing data from Household Labor Force Survey from 2009 to 2023, the analysis examines how field-specific education impacts employment probabilities, wage disparities, and gender differences. The findings reveal significant variations across disciplines, with science, technology, health, and law graduates experiencing higher employment rates and earnings compared to humanities and arts graduates. Gender disparities persist, with women disproportionately selecting lower-paying fields and facing barriers in traditionally male-dominated sectors. The results highlight the interplay between educational specialization, societal norms, and labor market structures. This research underscores the need for targeted policies to align educational outputs with labor market demands, reduce skill mismatches, and promote gender equity. These findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to optimize the socio-economic returns of higher education in Türkiye.