Back in 2005, while explaining why so few women occupied top science positions, economist Lawrence Summers suggested it could partially have to do with “issues of intrinsic aptitude.” It was one reason why he was forced from his Harvard presidency position the next year. And if this standard still holds today, a lot of little kids will have to be canceled. After all, by age six already, a large number of them embrace Summers’ theory.
That is, they believe boys are better at computer science and engineering.
That’s what a recent analysis of almost 100 studies found, anyway. And, of course, this is a major problem, the mainstream media warn. As they may put it, this means the kids “are internalizing gender stereotypes.” Yet there’s another reason children may think males are better at computing and engineering.
Because they are.
If that sounds like bias, well, there’s plenty to go around. Just consider that one of the studies analyzed found that by age eight, students believe girls possess greater verbal gifts. Other research has found that kids think academic success is “for girls.” But neither is what the media lead with (in fact, it’s hardly mentioned). It’s not something they say is a problem. It’s also not suggested that this could be the result of “internalizing gender stereotypes.” (And now we know why, increasingly, people are internalizing a certain mainstream-media stereotype. Hint: It’s the one that’s gradually putting them out of business.) […]
— Read More: thenewamerican.com
