Impact of Gender on the Academic Performance of Sri Lankan Undergraduates: a systematic review

Abstract

Studying and comprehending factors influencing academic performance is crucial for gaining valuable insights into the success of undergraduates. In this systematic review, the correlation between gender and undergraduate academic performance across various fields of studies in Sri Lankan universities was comprehensively studied. The data from multiple studies conducted between 2008 and 2022 in different disciplines, including Science, Management, Medicine, Agriculture, and Information Technology, was analyzed systematically. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research published in English exploring the impact of gender on academic performance were studied. The review involved 16 research studies comprising 35,608 individuals from several state universities. The data analysis showed a complex picture of gender inequalities in academic performance, with several significant trends and consequences emerging. A consistent pattern emerged, with 75% of the studies demonstrating that female students excel academically across various disciplines, while the rest exhibited no gender differences in performance. These findings underscore the critical need to promote gender equity and eliminate gender-based gaps in Sri Lankan higher education. Conducting in-depth studies across all degree programs and universities in Sri Lanka is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding and investigate the relationship between gender and academic performance.