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Explaining the mathematics gender gap: the role of stereotypes

Pilar Cuevas-Ruiz, Ismael Sanz and Almudena Sevilla


Descriptive stereotypes such as ?girls are not good at mathematics? or prescriptive stereotypes, that is, fixed views about women?s societal roles, can explain the persistent gender gap in mathematics. Stereotypes lower girls? beliefs, expectations, and incentives to put forth effort, and can constrain girls? choices in male-dominated high-paying careers that are math-intensive and that require strong math skills. This gap slows progress toward gender equality in the labor market and hinders productivity and economic growth.


20 September 2023


Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance 2023


DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780190625979.013.892

https://oxfordre.com/economics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190625979.001.0001/acrefore-9780190625979-e-892

This Journal article is published under the centre's Education programme.