In this book Annemarie van Langen reports on a series of studies in which the aforementioned topic stands central. On the basis of data from thousands of pupils... » 

In this book Annemarie van Langen reports on a series of studies in which the aforementioned topic stands central. On the basis of data from thousands of pupils in the Dutch upper levels of secondary education i.e. HAVO and VWO she offers a number of explanations for the lack of participation in maths and science studies by particular groups of pupils including girls and the children of lower educated parents in particular. Interviews are also undertaken with experts in Great Britain the USA Sweden and the Netherlands in order to find an answer to the question of why more STEM fields of study are pursued in some Western countries than in others. In addition the association between sex differences in achievement and choice of study is examined with the aid of data from the international PISA study conducted among 15yearold pupils in more than 42 countries. The results of the studies are of relevance for both researchers and policymakers. «