What does the research show regarding gender differences in mathematical ability? What is the stereotype regarding this topic? Analyze why the gender difference in math performance--or its absence--is so important and the implications of the stereotype.
What will be an ideal response?
The extensive research in mathematical ability consistently shows that there are no gender differences between men and women. However, the stereotype that men are better at math persists. One reason this is important is because mathematical skills are essential to a number of high-status, lucrative occupations that are male-dominated, such as engineering and the physical sciences. Women’s underrepresentation in these fields has been attributed to their lack of mathematical ability, but that explanation is not backed by the research. Measured in a number of different ways, and based on large meta-analyses, women have as much mathematical ability as men do. The implication is that other factors must explain women’s underrepresentation, such as environmental forces. Girls and women are often subtly and directly discouraged to build their math skills and buy into the stereotype that they are not good at that subject. From these implicit and explicit stereotypes, girls and women may internalize that they are not good at math, leading to lower self-efficacy in this area. This can lead to women not pursuing this subject or careers associated with it. Because of this, women remain underrepresented in the STEM fields, leaving their career options and salary options more limited than men.
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