How do stereotypes influence the gender gap in mathematics?

Irene Vega

El scientific work, recently published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance, has seen how stereotypes diminish girls' beliefs, expectations, and incentives to try hard and how they can also limit their options in male-dominated careers that require strong math skills. As a main result, this study concludes that “the gap slows down progress towards gender equality in the labor market and hinders productivity and economic growth.”

In addition, the research team calls for boosting girls' confidence in their mathematical abilities, including female role models as mathematics teachers, in addition to using gender-neutral language and providing textbooks and other teaching materials that challenge gender. gender stereotypes. “By adjusting assessment methods (such as lowering the level of proficiency) or adapting the instructional approach to better align with girls' learning styles, it is possible to create an environment that allows more girls to reach their full potential and accurately assess their abilities.” and mathematical interests”, points out this work.

However, this study has observed how actions that seek to modify the beliefs and attitudes of girls and women, as well as those that seek to alter the environment, may not work in the long term because they reinforce pre-existing stereotypes. “For example, modifying the testing environment may result in higher grades for girls, but it does not necessarily alter the perception that girls are unable to excel in mathematics,” the research team notes.

Fight gender stereotypes

Some biases, often unconscious, can serve to reflect on the gender gap. In this work they have analyzed how the recognition of the nature of stereotypes, both conscious and unconscious, has led to progress in economics. In this sense, the study highlights that “interventions resulting from these models can effectively counteract stereotypes that limit girls' education to certain fields based on social expectations of gender roles. However, gender stereotypes are often based on biased beliefs about the innate abilities of girls and women. “Overcoming deeply held stereotypes about the innate abilities of boys and girls is a fruitful avenue for future economic research and can help close the gender achievement gap in mathematics.”