Gender-Equality Paradox in Academic Strengths Persists Across Countries and Time

A new study in Psychological Science has found that sex differences in academic strengths—where girls excel in reading and boys in mathematics and science—are more pronounced in wealthier and more gender-equal countries. Despite significant educational advancements, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, highlighting a “gender-equality paradox.” This paradox suggests that increased gender equality does not necessarily reduce sex differences in educational and occupational choices.