Gender differences in mathematics among Jewish and Arab youth in Israel

Gender differences in mathematics learning in high school influence achievement in mathematical disciplines in higher education, as well as in social mobility in Western society. A great deal of previous research has reported the existence of gender differences in the study of science subjects in general and in mathematics (Leder, 1992). These differences are found on measures such as self confidence, motivation, on sociocultural variables including relationships with teachers that influence the development of gender differences in mathematical performance (Leiblich, 1985; Linn & Hyde, 1989), as well as in patterns of participation in higher levels of high school mathematics (Forgasz & Leder, 1995). In the cross-cultural study reported here, the concept of gender is examined with respect to differences in perceptions of self confidence and achievement in mathematics learning for students within different sectors of Israeli society.