Wage gap is not “about men and women doing similar work for different pay, but about men and women pursuing different careers”.

May 20, 2020

Teachers are more lenient in their marking of girls’ schoolwork, according to an international study. An OECD report on gender in education, across more than 60 countries, found that girls receive higher marks compared with boys of the same ability. Differences in school results can sometimes “have little to do with ability”, says the study.

The OECD study, examining gender inequality in education, says that girls can be put off careers in science because of a lack of self-confidence and negative stereotypes.

Mr Schleicher, the OECD’s education director, argues that it is not “about men and women doing similar work for different pay, but about men and women pursuing different careers”.

He says that “gender differences in self-confidence” could be the key difference. Even though girls might achieve better academic results, there is still a reluctance to apply for jobs.

The very lowest achieving pupils in maths, reading and science are much more likely to be boys and these male underachievers are much more likely to leave school early and end up without any qualifications.

Boys v. girls

  • Lowest achievers more likely to be boys
  • Boys more likely to be very highest achievers in maths and science
  • Teachers give girls higher marks than boys of a similar ability
  • Boys far behind girls at reading while at school, but gap closes among adults
  • Girls less likely to consider careers in maths and science

Source: OECD

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