women and mathematicsWomen and Mathematics: Perceptions and Reality. The myth of a male math gene persists, and career data show women still avoiding math and the math-based fields in disproportion to men.Of the 4.6 million US citizens employed in science and engineering, 30 percent are women, but the vast majority are in the life sciences and psychology, the less mathematical of these careers. Only 4 percent are employed in engineering, the same percent in physics - the most mathematical of the sciences. Math AnxietyBoth sexes have the capacity for autonomy and independence. We know that. But we also know that little (and not-so-little) girls are often punished when they display too much moxie. There is nothing innately male either about succeeding in mathematics or about having a high tolerance for risks; our society, in one more effort to keep women down, simply declares these to be masculine.Sheila Tobias first wrote Overcoming Math Anxiety in 1978. In her updated version, she expands her analysis of the attitude and approach variables that interfere with students' performance. Her second book, Succeed with Math, tells teachers and students (college age and older) how to master mathematics without anxiety. You'll find more information about women and mathematics |