This paper examines the relationship between structural economic change in Honduras, the pursuit of higher education among females, and high emigration rates among males. The socioeconomic target group of this study is Honduras's lower class males and females. Honduras's labor market trends are viewed as the primary stimulus behind gender differences in decisions to pursue higher education and emigration as a means for economic mobility. The principal finding in this paper is that the economic transition in Honduras is associated with differing strategies among the country's male and female population. High emigration rates among males are stimulated by two factors, the economic pull of the U.S. labor market and relative poverty in Honduras. Conversely, economic transition in Honduras has been a catalyst for greater female participation in its service and manufacturing sectors.

Keywords: Honduras, Education, Development, Migration and Economy