Women have less confidence in themselves – despite good grades

Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla: The idea of ​​the innate male “genius” is still widespread today. Women, on the other hand, have less confidence in themselves than men. This has now been scientifically proven. A study by researchers at the University of Vienna now shows that socially disadvantaged women consider themselves to be the least talented of all – even if they achieve the same results as others.

Boys seem smarter

“Women are more likely to be praised as ‘hardworking’ and less as ‘smart’; that is more often said of boys,” says study leader Christina Bauer from the University of Vienna. This external image has fatal consequences for the self-image of women, especially those with low socioeconomic backgrounds. “Girls think they are less talented than boys,” says Bauer, “even if you compare two people with identical grades.” Previous studies have also shown this. Their new study, published in the journal “Learning and Instruction”, with a total of 1,600 students in Germany and the USA has now also shown that this applies twice as much to women from low socio-economic backgrounds, i.e. who are financially disadvantaged.

“When it comes to things like hard work and willingness to make an effort, which are important things, then women are definitely self-confident,” says Bauer. “They also see themselves as powerful – but they don’t see themselves as geniuses or talented.” This distorted own assessment means that women, of all people, who are already financially disadvantaged, have fewer chances of success on the job market and in society. For example, socially disadvantaged women feel less comfortable in areas where talent is expected, have less confidence in themselves and therefore contribute less. This applies, for example, to the MINT area (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology) or hobbies such as chess. A vicious circle that, in the eyes of the social psychologist, needs to be broken.

Hard work is underestimated

Instead of glorifying geniuses and looking down on “nerds”, traits such as diligence and hard work should be given greater social recognition – starting at school. “This focus on talent breeds a culture of elbowing that is not comfortable for anyone,” says Bauer.

In English this phenomenon is described as the “dog eat dog mentality”. In Asian cultures it is completely different. “There is no negative label for effort there, but rather a certain appreciation.” Role models who demonstrate that women can be good mathematics professors, for example, would also be ideal.

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