I think to say that men are better at math and science due to biology and biology only would be naive. There might be some studies that indicate that this could be a contributer to the high statistics of men in these career fields, but there is just no way that biology could be the only reason- if any reason at all. I think that the reason more men excel at these subjects is primarily environmental. I think that the way you are raised is a huge contributer, your discipline and your interest in general. I think that the success in mastering these subjects is much like how IQ is formed. I think some people really are biologically smarter than others, but regardless of gender. But I believe that the main determination of an IQ is also environmental factors.
I also think that it's just more socially acceptable these days for a man to enter math and science careers and that is why there are increased numbers in males that excel at these subjects. It goes back to when gender stereotypes were prominent where the man worked and the woman stayed at home and took care of the house and family. These traditions are still around for some, but it is just simply more common for women to enter more creative industries. I personally am not amazing at math, but i don't think that has anything to do with me being a female. I just hate it. I think men are genuinely more interested in math and science than women, although this is not the case for all women. But I think those women that do pursue math and science can be every bit as successful as a man at it. I believe women are just as skilled at math and science as men no matter what the statistics might say. It all depends on what career is chosen and how hard you want to succeed.
Q1: What are some examples of women or men contradicting a gender specific stereotype?
Q2: What are some gender stereotypes that are taught to us as children in school? And do you think any of these examples play into why there are more men in math and science?
I completely agree with the fact that "It goes back to when gender stereotypes were prominent where the man worked and the woman stayed at home." It's hard to get a trend going when the tradition has been there for so long.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well that it would be naive to believe that biological factors were the sole reason for this gender difference. I think that too it goes back to stereotypes and how the child is socialized. It all begins at such a young age and I think to completely switch that socialization pattern halfway through your life would be impossible. So I think that it really comes down to those environmental factors that cause this divide.
ReplyDeleteSome examples that came to my mind about contradiciting sterotypes is that there are more women seen doing construction work. Construction work does not just deal with math but also the stereotype that women are not strong and do not like to get dirty.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side I have a sister in nursing school and she has three boys in her class and my cousin is dating a boy who is graduating from UNMC with his degree in nursing. What this shows is that men can be nuturing too like women.