Gender Gap in Mathematics Achievement

Introduction

In the United States, males outperform females in overall mathematics achievement and outnumber females in lucrative, prestigious math-related careers, although the degree of difference has narrowed during recent decades. There are also large and persistent ethnic gaps in mathematics achievement and participation (Eccles, 36).

Competency beliefs vary by academic domain. Boys tend to report feeling more competent in math, science, and technology while girls tend to feel more competent in language arts and music. Across the elementary school years, boys' feelings of competency in language arts decline, creating a gender gap between boys' and girls' competency beliefs ...