Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies

In societies that oppose social inequality (low power distance societies), intergroup social comparison is relatively more prevalent. However, with an intergroup comparison focus, differences between groups are more salient and self-stereotyping more likely. Consequently, gender stereotypes regardin...

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Main Author: Hamamura, Takeshi
Format: Journal Article
Published: Sage Publications Inc 2012
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/31326
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author Hamamura, Takeshi
author_facet Hamamura, Takeshi
author_sort Hamamura, Takeshi
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description In societies that oppose social inequality (low power distance societies), intergroup social comparison is relatively more prevalent. However, with an intergroup comparison focus, differences between groups are more salient and self-stereotyping more likely. Consequently, gender stereotypes regarding math may be relatively more consequential in low relative to high power distance societies. To examine this hypothesis, results from a standardized math exam among eighth graders compiled in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study were analyzed. As predicted, the societies' power distance predicted gender differences in math performance: The pattern of boys outperforming girls was more pronounced in low relative to high power distance societies. This effect was independent of the societies' gender equality and prevalence of implicit stereotype.
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publishDate 2012
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-313262017-09-13T15:19:34Z Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies Hamamura, Takeshi math gender difference culture power distance In societies that oppose social inequality (low power distance societies), intergroup social comparison is relatively more prevalent. However, with an intergroup comparison focus, differences between groups are more salient and self-stereotyping more likely. Consequently, gender stereotypes regarding math may be relatively more consequential in low relative to high power distance societies. To examine this hypothesis, results from a standardized math exam among eighth graders compiled in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study were analyzed. As predicted, the societies' power distance predicted gender differences in math performance: The pattern of boys outperforming girls was more pronounced in low relative to high power distance societies. This effect was independent of the societies' gender equality and prevalence of implicit stereotype. 2012 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/31326 10.1177/1948550611429191 Sage Publications Inc restricted
spellingShingle math
gender difference
culture
power distance
Hamamura, Takeshi
Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies
title Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies
title_full Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies
title_fullStr Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies
title_full_unstemmed Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies
title_short Power Distance Predicts Gender Differences in Math Performance Across Societies
title_sort power distance predicts gender differences in math performance across societies
topic math
gender difference
culture
power distance
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/31326