Thread by @Scientific_Bird

Sex differences in scientific interests

The Relevance of Science Education (ROSE) project has tracked cross-cultural attitudes towards science education of 15-year-old students. It's not cited enough.

I will highlight where the largest sex differences lie. (1/n)

(2/n) Before that, there is a large trend to keep in mind.

As countries develop, people get higher standards and are more selective in their interests.

This is true for sex differences as well. On average, the more developed the country, the larger the sex difference.

(3/n) Boys are somewhat more interested in chemicals, their properties, and how they react.

(4/n) The first big sex difference emerges. Boys are much more likely to be interested in learning how computers work.

(5/n) An even larger sex difference: How petrol and diesel engines work. Boys much more likely to be interested.

Cars, engines, technology.

Stereotypically considered a masculine interest. Perhaps for a reason?

(6/n) Bang! Boys much more interested in explosive chemicals than girls are.

(7/n) Girls somewhat more interested in what to eat to stay healthy and fit.

(8/n) For future work, most want to work with something that fits their attitudes and values. But interestingly, this is somewhat more important for girls than boys.

... If you're not looking for a fit with your values, perhaps you're looking for money otherwise?

(9/n) Girls are much more likely to say that they want to work with people rather than things. And they want to work with something where they feel that they help people.

(10/n) On the other hand, boys are much more likely to say they want to work with things. Or more precisely, they are more likely to say they want to work in technology.

(11/n) I have highlighted where the larger sex differences lie. But of course, on some questions there aren't sex differences.

You can read more in the original source (below). Thanks for reading! Leave your thoughts if you want.

roseproject.no/network/countr…