Women and the Mathematical Mystique

"This is the eighth volume in the series based on the annual Hyman Blumberg Symposium on Research in Early Childhood Education and the fifth one concerned with intellectual talent, in this case sex differences in mathematical talent and achievement. Thus, it is the fifth volume in the Studies of Intellectual Precocity series. This volume is based substantially on revised and updated versions of papers presented at the Hyman Blumberg Symposium, cosponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston in February 1976. That symposium was organized and chaired by Lynn H. Fox." "Why do boys score higher than girls on tests of mathematical ability? Why do so few women go on to pursue careers in mathematics? Do the stereotypes and pressures of society contribute to the differences in interest and achievement between boys and girls? _Women and the Mathematical Mystique_ examines the question of sex differences in mathematical ability and achievement and then points the way for new research efforts and changes in educational policy and practice. Selections include in-depth profiles of the personalities and backgrounds of creative women in the field - where they found encouragement and where they faced barriers. Four essays investigate the nature and extent of sex differences in the study of mathematics and suggest possible causes for differences in achievement and interest. Finally, the book reports on the impact of special programs, teachers' behavior, and parents' attitudes that increase women's performance and success in mathematics. The editors of this volume are affiliated with the Intellectually Gifted Child Study Group at The Johns Hopkins University. Lynn H. Fox is coordinator of the program; Linda Brody and Dianne Tobin are project associates. Fox is also associate professor of education at Johns Hopkins. Hyman Blumberg Symposium on Research in Early Childhood Education, Volume 8."