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Gender & Mathematics

Mikayla Christensen

Salt Lake Community College

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Mathematics is often seen as a subject and a career path for men. Studies have shown that

women are underrepresented in math and science careers. Why does this happen? This lack of

representation may happen because of stereotypes, confidence issues, or little to no role models.

Teachers need to be aware of these factors, so that they can help stop this trend from continuing.

Girls have people all around them that discourage them from studying in math or science

fields. This way not be intentional, but it is still damaging even if it is done subconsciously. The

toys they are given to play with will encourage being a housewife or a mother, and sometimes

their parents may discourage them as well (Miller, 2015). There is also the fact that girls don’t

have a lot of role models in the field, so they grow up thinking that they cannot be successful in

those careers. It is important for people to have someone they can see themselves in when they

are learning. Since there is a lack of representation of women in math, girls will have a harder

time thinking that it is something they can do.

I think one of the biggest influences on girls in mathematics is their teachers, especially

in elementary school. Teachers can have unconscious biases that can influence the girls in their

classes (Miller, 2015). The experiences that students have during their elementary education can

have a huge impact on the attitude that students will have towards math and science. It is

important for teachers to be aware and change their biases. Teachers need to be aware how they

are teaching math, and how that may be affecting all the students in their classes. Being aware of
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these things that happen unconsciously can help increase the representation of women in math

and science.

There is a stereotype throughout our society that says girls are naturally worse than men

when it comes to math or science. This has been disproved by scientists, the natural skills girls

posses is not the problem. There are psychological effects that may be setting girls back. There is

still a debate today about women and their ability to work in math or science careers. There is no

scientific indication that women cannot succeed in demanding math careers. However, there is

still a vast underrepresentation for women in math, science, and even engineering related fields.

Studies have shown that culture may be what is turning girls against math. Girls tend to have low

self-confidence when it comes to math, and that could be because of the stereotypes that are

reinforced in our society.

There is low representation of women on math and science careers, and this can be

caused by many different things. There is the influence of society, lack of role models, and

biases that can all play a part in making girls doubt themselves when it comes to math. It is

important that teachers, and future teachers, are aware of these things so they can be prepared to

help all their students succeed.

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References

Miller, Claire Cain. “How Elementary School Teachers' Biases Can Discourage Girls From Math

and Science.” ​The New York Times,​ The New York Times, 6 Feb. 2015,