Do sex differences in careers in math and sciences have biological basis? Yes! I think that there is definitely a biological basis of why women have not been as successful as men in math and science. I believe in evolution. Out cognitive and physical abilities as humans evolve overtime to fit what is necessary to survive in the world we live in.
For a very long time women did not work outside of the home and they developed different cognitive abilities and priorities. It wasn't until women had to start working outside the home, that started using other skills (with capabilities of doing so). I feel that women have been playing catch up, on learning skills that were socially normal for men to learn, at a young age. Therefore, there are not as many women in math and science careers than men.
Yes, I do think that women have been thought of being incapable of performing such skills(math and science), but it has come to a time now, where both men and women are learning the same skills and taught the same way. If we give it some more time, there will be more women in math and science careers.
D.Q. #1
What could be done so that more girls are interested in math and science careers?
D.Q. #2
Most of my math and science teachers in high school were women does that count for anything?
I think that you make a really good point. Many of my math and science teachers in High School were women as well. It does count, these women are proficient in math and science and they choose to teach it to others. That itself is a hard task, just as hard as the subjects themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the old fashioned tradition of women staying at home has an affect on the math and science statistics we see today. Because men have always held these positions so there are many women still today that are just seeing those kinds of fields as an option.
ReplyDeleteYou said "Most of my math and science teachers in high school were women", but I think that has to do more with the profession than the subjects. An overwhelming percentage of teachers are women, and just by sheer numbers you will probably have more female math and science teachers.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the fact that most if not all of my highschool teachers that taught math and science were women. I do think that this is a good point to bring up because like I asked in my post what is then considered a "math" and "science" field. Obviously the teachers had to study math and science thoroughly in order for them to be able to teach the subject at an academic level.
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