ED340657 SO022114
Title: Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America. A Nationwide Poll
To Assess Self Esteem, Educational Experiences, Interest in Math and
Science, and Career Aspirations of Girls and Boys Ages 9-15.
Author Affiliation: American Association of Univ. Women, Washington,
DC.(FGK01621)
Pages: 39
Publication Date: January 1991
Notes: For related documents, see ED 339 674 and SO 022 115-116.
Available from: EDRS Price MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from
EDRS.
Availability: American Association of University Women Sales Office,
P.O. Box 251, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0251 ($5.00).
Language: English
Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141)
Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia
Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1992
The American
Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsored a national survey
research project that polled school aged children to study the interaction
of self-esteem and education and career aspirations in adolescent
girls and boys in today's society. Three thousand children between
grades 4 and 10, in 12 locations nationwide, were surveyed. The
survey examined the differences in attitudes between girls' and
boys' perceptions of themselves and their futures, measured the
changes in attitudes as adolescents grow older, and identified critical
processes at work in forming adolescents' attitudes of self-esteem
and identity. In addition, the survey looked at the development
of adolescents' aspirations--their career choices and expectations,
their perceptions of gender roles, and the part that educational
setting plays. Finally, the survey examined the relationship of
mathematics and science skills to self-esteem and career goals of
boys and girls. Among the key findings of the survey was that as
girls and boys grow older, both experience a significant loss of
self-esteem in a variety of areas; however, the loss is most dramatic
and has the most long-lasting effect for girls. A number of graphs
depicting the findings of the survey are included. (DB)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement; Adolescents; Educational Change;
*Educational Discrimination; Educational Objectives; Educational
Opportunities; Educational Research; Elementary Secondary Education;
*Equal Education; *Females; Graphs; Males; Mathematics Education;
*Occupational Aspiration; Public Schools; Role of Education; Science
Education; *Self Esteem; *Sex Bias; Sex Discrimination; Social Science
Research; Student Attitudes; Student Needs
