The Myth: Pink and Blue Brains

Sex differences are a hot topic. Neuroscience has identified few reliable differences between men's and women's--or--boys' and girls' brains relevant to learning or education. Nonetheless, the belief that female brains are intrinsically less adept at spatial-mathematical-logical reasoning continues to hamper girls' and women's advancement at all stages of the educational and professional trajectory. Dr. Eliot will share current data on sex difference in the brain, and provide evidence bolstering the argument that females' advancement is hindered largely by societal factors that act from the earliest years of life. Instead of assuming hard-wired differences, attention to stereotypes and various influences on females' advancement can help educators design more effective interventions to stem the tide of women from STEM.