Differences in the Gender Gap: Comparisons across Racial/Ethnic Groups in Education and Work. Policy Information Report

This report considers the interaction of gender and racial/ethnic differences by addressing the issue of whether gender differences vary within racial/ethnic groups. The data encompass the education and work pipeline from elementary school, through high school, college, and graduate school, and into the workforce. Data come from a variety of sources. Results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and findings about admissions tests, high school course work, advanced placement tests, educational attainment, and earnings and employment reveal more similarities than variations in gender differences among racial/ethnic groups. On most measures, gender differences did not vary much from one racial/ethnic group to another, although some differences were found. In addition, few trends were noted. The study suggests that the nature of gender inequality is a complex phenomenon. There is neither a pattern of across-the-board male advantage nor a pattern of across-the-board female advantage. The findings do not support the view that the educational establishment systematically discriminates against girls, nor that it penalizes boys. Data support the view that the nature of the differences between genders or the lack of difference depends on the outcome being examined. (Contains 25 graphs.) (SLD)