Societal Pressure on Careers

I think both Pinker and Spelke present good arguments. I can not choose just one side to support, but I lean a more towards Spelke. I believe differences in math and science, as well as other areas of study or intellect, can be attributed to biological differences and socialization. First of all, many studies have shown that men are better at some aspects of math while women are better than others. It's great to hear that both men and women excel in certain areas, as to not simply say, "men are better at math, period." If men and women both excel in certain areas, women have similar grades to men (if not better) throughout high school and college, women graduate with more bachelor degrees in those areas, then why don't we see women in related careers? I believe that question has to do with socialization and the gender pressures we face every day. Women may feel the pressure to care for a family and not pursue careers. Men are typically pressured by society to focus on a career. Our society puts these pressure on men and women, but these pressures have lessened recently. More men are the caretakers of families, while more women are focusing on careers before family. The study about the professors who were biased against the applicant when they thought it was a woman proved how society has influenced our minds. Those professors weren't trying to discriminate. But they have been raised in a society that sends the message that a man would be the best option for a science or math position. Hopefully the future will provide the answer to whether differences in math or science are biological. As I stated before, I believe there are some biological reasons for the difference. But, if women have more careers in math and science in the future, I think it is a representation of the changing views of society. And it's off to a good start as women are taking more and more jobs in math and science.

Have you caught yourself being surprised or impressed by a woman engineer or a male nurse (or any other occupation that is dominated by a particular gender)?

Have you been pressured throughout your life to take up a certain career? Or discouraged from something because few of your gender have taken that path?