Sex differences in mathematical reasoning ability at age 13: Their status 20 years later

Reported is the 20-year follow-up of 1,975 mathematically gifted adolescent s (top 1%) whose assessments at age 12 to 14 revealed robust gender differe nces in mathematical reasoning ability. Both sexes became exceptional achie vers and perceived themselves as such; they reported uniformly high levels of degree attainment and satisfaction with both their career direction and their overall success. The earlier sex differences in mathematical reasonin g ability did predict differential educational and occupational outcomes. T he observed differences also appeared to be a function of sex differences i n preferences Sos (a) inorganic versus organic disciplines and (b) a career -focused versus more-balanced life. Because profile differences in abilitie s and preferences are longitudinally stable, males probably will remain mor e represented in some disciplines, whereas females are likely to remain mor e represented in others. These data have policy implications for higher edu cation and the world of work.