Working Paper: NBER ID: w28326
Authors: Gaia Dossi; David N. Figlio; Paola Giuliano; Paola Sapienza
Abstract: Previous research has shown that norms around the role of women in society could help explain the gender gap in mathematics, and that these norms could be transmitted within the family. Using data from the Florida Department of Education combined with birth certificates we uncover important heterogeneity in the transmission of gender biases within the family. We find that gender role norms can explain the lower performance of girls in mathematics only in relatively affluent White families, whereas they do not apparently matter for the performance of Black girls.
Keywords: math gender gap; gender norms; family background; race; socioeconomic status
JEL Codes: A13; I20; J16; Z1
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Family gender norms (J12) | Girls' performance in mathematics (I24) |
| Maternal gender role attitudes (J16) | Performance differential between white and black girls (J79) |
| Family income (D31) | Girls' performance in mathematics (I24) |
| Maternal education (I24) | Girls' performance in mathematics (I24) |
| Maternal gender role attitudes (J16) | Girls' performance in mathematics (I24) |