Not Lack of Ability but More Choice

TLDR

Gender differences in math and verbal ability may give females a broader range of career options in both STEM and non‑STEM fields than males. The study examined whether 12th‑grade students with high math and high verbal ability were more or less likely to pursue STEM occupations than those with high math and moderate verbal ability. A national longitudinal sample of 1,490 participants was followed from 12th grade to age 33. Mathematically capable students who also had high verbal skills were less likely to choose STEM careers than those with high math but moderate verbal skills, and this high math/high verbal group contained more females than males.

Abstract

The pattern of gender differences in math and verbal ability may result in females having a wider choice of careers, in both science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM fields, compared with males. The current study tested whether individuals with high math and high verbal ability in 12th grade were more or less likely to choose STEM occupations than those with high math and moderate verbal ability. The 1,490 subjects participated in two waves of a national longitudinal study; one wave was when the subjects were in 12th grade, and the other was when they were 33 years old. Results revealed that mathematically capable individuals who also had high verbal skills were less likely to pursue STEM careers than were individuals who had high math skills but moderate verbal skills. One notable finding was that the group with high math and high verbal ability included more females than males.