Women Are Bad At Math? Here’s What The Numbers Say
The idea that women are naturally bad at math has been around for centuries. From classrooms to workplaces, this stereotype has influenced how society views girls’ and women’s abilities in math and science. But what do the actual numbers and research say? Are women really worse at math, or is this just another outdated myth?
This article explores what studies show about gender and math performance, and why it’s time to move beyond these harmful beliefs.
Where the Stereotype Came From
The belief that women are bad at math comes from old social ideas—not science. In many parts of the world, girls and women were discouraged from studying math or taking on technical careers. This limited their access to education and opportunities.
Over time, the lack of women in math-heavy fields was wrongly seen as proof that they weren’t good at it. In truth, the gap was created by culture and discrimination—not ability.
What Research Says About Gender and Math Ability
Modern research proves that women and men perform similarly in math.
- A large study published in Science (Hyde et al., 2008) reviewed math test scores of over 7 million students in the U.S. The result? No significant difference between boys and girls in math performance.
- A 2020 report from UNESCO also confirms that women perform as well as men in math when given equal learning opportunities.
- The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data shows that in many countries, girls actually score higher than boys in math when they have the same educational support.
The numbers are clear: gender does not determine math skill.
Why the Gender Gap in Math Careers Still Exists
If women are just as good at math, why do fewer women work in math-heavy fields like engineering or data science?
Several factors contribute:
Stereotypes and bias. Girls are often told, directly or indirectly, that math is not for them.
Confidence gap. Studies show girls sometimes underestimate their math abilities, even when they perform as well as boys (OECD, 2015).
Lack of role models. Fewer visible women in math careers can make it harder for girls to picture themselves in those roles.
Workplace culture. Some math-heavy industries still have environments that are not supportive of women.
Breaking the Myth: Women in Math Today
Today, women continue to break barriers in math and related fields:
Maryam Mirzakhani
Maryam Mirzakhani was a brilliant Iranian mathematician who became the first woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal in 2014. Her groundbreaking work on the geometry and dynamics of Riemann surfaces and moduli spaces transformed modern mathematics. Mirzakhani’s contributions continue to inspire mathematicians and young women around the world.
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was a pioneering African-American mathematician whose complex calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to NASA’s space missions, including John Glenn’s historic flight. Her precise work in trajectory analysis helped ensure the success and safety of early human spaceflights. Johnson’s legacy broke barriers in both science and civil rights, inspiring generations in STEM fields.
Emmy Noether
Emmy Noether was a groundbreaking German mathematician whose work in abstract algebra and theoretical physics reshaped modern science. Her famous Noether’s Theorem revealed the deep connection between symmetries and conservation laws in physics. Noether’s insights laid the foundation for much of today’s mathematical physics and continue to influence research across disciplines.She is known as the “mother of modern algebra,” shaped mathematics in the 20th century.
These examples prove that math excellence is not about gender—it’s about passion, practice, and opportunity.
Why This Matters
Believing that women are bad at math can harm both individuals and society. When girls are discouraged from math, the world misses out on talented scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Encouraging girls in math helps create a stronger, smarter future for everyone.
FAQ
Q1: Are women worse at math than men?
No. Studies show no natural difference in math ability between men and women. Differences in performance are linked to culture, confidence, and opportunity.
Q2: Why do fewer women work in math-heavy jobs?
Because of stereotypes, lack of role models, and sometimes unfriendly work environments—not because of lower ability.
Q3: Do girls perform worse in math at school?
No. In many countries, girls score just as well as boys, and sometimes better, in math tests.
Q4: What can help close the gap?
Encouraging girls in STEM, providing mentorship, and challenging stereotypes can help close the gender gap in math fields.
Sources
Hyde, J. S., et al. (2008). Gender similarities characterize math performance. Science, 321(5888), 494-495. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1160364
OECD. (2015). The ABC of Gender Equality in Education. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264229945-en
UNESCO. (2020). Cracking the code: Girls’ and women’s education in STEM. http://uis.unesco.org/en/topic/women-science
