Sex Differences in Math-Intensive Fields
Publication type
journal article
Publication date
2010
Author(s)
Ceci, Stephen J.
Williams, Wendy M.
Language
English
Abstract
Despite impressive employment gains in many fields of science, women remain underrepresented in fields requiring intensive use of mathematics. Here we discuss three potential explanations for women’s underrepresentation: (a) male–female mathematical and spatial ability gaps, (b) sex discrimination, and (c) sex differences in career preferences and lifestyle choices. Synthesizing findings from psychology, endocrinology, sociology, economics, and education leads to the conclusion that, among a combination of interrelated factors, preferences and choices—both freely made and constrained—are the most significant cause of women’s underrepresentation.
Journal
Current Directions in Psychological Science
ISSN
0963-7214
Volume
19
Issue
5
Pagination
275-279