Gender and Academic Abilities and Preferences

Abstract

Questions of gender differences in intellectual abilities and academic preferences have fascinated researchers for more than a century. Notably, many early studies on this topic examined samples that were not representative of the population, often chosen because they were convenient or highly selective. Furthermore, the existence of markedly different opportunities for education and careers among women and men further obscured gender similarities and differences in academic preferences. Given these methodological shortcomings and cultural factors, it has been difficult to make adequate assessments of gender similarities and differences in academic abilities and preferences. Although gender stereotypes concerning academic ability and appropriate academic and occupational choices still abound, growing equality in these domains and methodological advances allow us to address these compelling questions better.