Girls are better at languages, boys are better at math — true or false?

The differences are less clear in mathematics: While boys performed better in math on average in 40 of the 81 countries, in the other 41 countries there were either no significant differences, or the girls had the advantage.

Generalizations are too short-sighted.

When it comes to a child’s interests, gender plays less of a role than sociocultural factors such as their upbringing and societal expectations. Gender-based stereotypes have a significant influence on educational and career choices. Studies show that teachers and parents tend to attribute a boy’s educational successes to talent, a girl’s to hard work. As early as the second grade, girls internalize the idea that mathematics is a “male thing” — often before any differences in performance have even emerged. This is part of the reason why girls underestimate their mathematical abilities and rarely pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). In turn, boys are commonly assumed to have a natural interest in the STEM subjects, while there is often less focus on their linguistic capabilities.

Fostering sensitivity.

This is why modern curriculums are based on the principle of encouraging individual strengths regardless of gender. Yet, teachers can’t be left to implement this alone — the research, politics and business sectors must also help to overcome stereotypes, for example during career orientation. In this way, we can achieve equal educational, career and life opportunities for all.