Gender Gap Among the High Achievers in Mathematics and Implications for STEM Workforce Development: A Cross-Nation Study

• In Event: Students’ Mathematical Thinking and Learning

Abstract

The underrepresentation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) careers has been receiving more attention. For STEM careers, math achievement is considered crucial, and gender difference in math has been examined as one potential factor. The empirical research, however, has not yet clearly identified the pattern(s) of gender difference. Using the cross-nation PISA2009 data, this study examines the gender gap at the higher end of the math achievement distribution. The preliminary findings suggest that, for most nations that we examined, the gender gap is much more pronounced at the higher end of math performance distribution. The findings are discussed about their relevance for STEM workforce development, and the societal similarities and differences across the nations examined in this study.

Authors

• Xitao Fan, University of Macau

• Xiaoxin Wei, University of Virginia

• Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia