Instilling 'Remarkable Talents of Men' in Girls from Childhood

Recent research findings indicate that girls as young as six years old believe that it is men who can possess 'remarkable talents.' According to The Telegraph, the results of this study also show that girls avoid games that seem 'very, very smart' from pre-school age because they think their male peers are more likely to win those games. The research, published in the reputable scientific journal Science, states that believing in such stereotypes from a very young age reduces women's chances of attaining prestigious and high-level jobs. Dr. Andrei Champain, one of the authors of this article and a psychology professor at New York University, says: 'Not only do we observe that these girls who have just started school are attracted to societal gender stereotypes, but they also choose their activities based on these stereotypes. This is disheartening.' Previous research by this university professor indicated that women are less likely to pursue further education in fields such as mathematics, physics, or philosophy, where 'genius' is described as 'essential for success.' According to NetDoctor.com, the authors of this study say that the results show many children come to believe that exceptional talents are a male capability. These stereotypes shape children's interests and limit their range of interests in various professions. Another study by the McKinsey Global Institute, which focuses on understanding human behaviors and their impact on the economy, shows that reducing the gender pay gap between women and men leads to significant economic growth.