Why do girls think that boys are smarter than them?

Most girls, if you ask them about your favorite subject at school, most likely will answer you that this is literature or art. And they will certainly add that they do not like mathematics. The reason for this may be poor performance in this subject. Girls of all ages have internal prejudices about their abilities. In addition, they are much more likely than boys to have low self-esteem. And now, recently published research results show that at about the age of six girls start thinking that all boys are smarter than them.

Study

These data were published in the journal Science. In the course of the study, the scientists gave different assignments to a group of 5-7-year-old children. For example, in the first task they told the children a story about a very smart person, without naming his gender. This was to find out for the children. But when they were asked who this clever man was-a man or a woman-girls over six chose the first option. In this regard, girls also often abandoned games that were supposedly intended for "too smart children." However, younger girls who were not yet six years of age did not have such prejudices.

Expert opinion

One of the experts who explained these findings was Heather Pressly, vice president of programming for girls at The Run (GOTR). She supervises the development of programs for organizing physical activity for girls of grades 3-8 and is also a former teacher, has a doctorate in education.

Pressly says that the results of this study were not unexpected. Most likely, this stereotype is formed because most girls go to school at the age of six, and, consequently, are influenced by other people whose opinion may be biased. School, teachers, parents and other students may inadvertently cause these feelings in girls.

Pressly suggests that teachers and school administrators can agree with the stereotype that boys are smarter than girls, and even inadvertently transfer it to children, drawing their attention to different subjects. In addition, they help girls to choose elective programs that involve the presence of talent. This allows the children to understand that talent and strengths can be developed among them, while the ability for mathematics and for science as a whole is either from birth or not.

Christine Carruthers, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and behavioral disorders, agrees with this opinion.

Carruthers says that the potentially low opinion of girls about their mental abilities can be changed if they are constantly praised for their achievements. For example, you can praise your daughter for the fact that she correctly calculated the cost of shopping in a supermarket or she received a good mark for a math test. This will help the girl to increase self-esteem and self-confidence. Parents should remember that low self-esteem in the long run can affect the choice of college and career. Some girls, considering themselves not too smart, can abandon what they really want to do in life, just because it would contradict the opinion of society.

Choice of profession

Women tend to choose their own profession, not related to science, mathematics or technology, since these topics are traditionally considered to be "difficult" for them. According to the report of the National Research Center Student Clearinghouse, less than 30% of women in 2014 graduated from university with a degree in science or technology. Moreover, this indicator has grown only by 1% over the last decade.

The consequences of low self-esteem

Low self-esteem can also be a risk factor for other problems, such as anxiety, depression, weight gain and eating disorders, which will later affect other aspects of life. In addition, self-doubt also often leads to difficulties in the relationship.

What should parents do?

Can change the stereotypes of parents. That's what they need to do for this.

1. At every opportunity, tell your daughter that she can do whatever she wants, if she is interested.

2. Treat equally with your daughter and son. If you ask your daughter to help with the dishes, do not forget to give the same assignment for the house and your son.

3. Pay attention to the stereotypical roles of women, which are shown in the media or on the Internet. If you see, for example, a similar video, use it as a learning moment and talk about it with the children.

4. If you know a woman who is a good role model, talk about her with your children. It can be a sports star or a movie, or for example, your girlfriend, the principal, or even a student from your children's class, who is an excellent pupil.

But most importantly, you yourself must become a good example to follow. Children tend to repeat what their parents do, not what they say. If a girl sees that her mother is critical of herself, especially as to how she looks and how smart she is, the little one will begin to inherit her behavior.

Remember that mothers should be proud of themselves and their achievements. Only by doing this will they be able to teach daughters to do the same and realize that they are worthy to do whatever they want.