Gender Differences in Mathematics Achievement Across Countries and the Potential Reasons

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: Illuminating Inequities in Postsecondary, Subject Area, and Career Access (Table 25)

Abstract

Using the TIMSS 2019 8th grade mathematics dataset, we examined gender discrepancies in mathematics performance across 43 countries or areas. Preliminary findings reveal that, on a global scale, female students marginally surpass their male counterparts, but the magnitude and direction of this disparity exhibit considerable variation across countries. We also found female outperformance increases when their confidence, like, and the value placed on mathematics are statistically controlled at the same level as males. Additionally, the Gender Inequity Index (GII) of each country plays a pivotal role in influencing students’ achievement. These findings underscore the importance of promoting gender equity in education, emphasizing the need for collective efforts across the world to address prevailing gender biases and support equitable learning environments.

Authors

• Xiyu Wang, Purdue University

• Yukiko Maeda, Purdue University

• Hua-Hua Chang, Purdue University