There are many preconceptions about why fewer girls than boys pursue science and math careers: That boys have a stronger natural talent or brain physiology that gives them a natural advantage; that society “routes” girls to other career choices, etc.  New research indicates that girls’ perception of how a science or math career fits into their social and family needs may be a factor.

Science Daily brings us this story of how conclusions from two decades of research presented in April at the biennial conference of the Society for Research in Child Development indicate that girls consider social aspects of a career, flexibility for family life when choosing a career.  Additionally, there may other factors that weigh on a young woman’s attitude toward a science or math career including their perceptions and those projected by society as a whole regarding how much extra effort is required of women to succeed in such fields.