The Price of Female Genius
Significantly more men than women work in the fields of natural sciences, technology, and mathematics. Numerous theories have been proposed to explain this asymmetry: some suggest that women are simply less interested in these professions, while others believe that employers prefer to hire male candidates because they think men are better suited for the job. Recent research indicates that women are underrepresented in scientific fields that assume “genius.”
Genius means an innate outstanding intellect, and this trait is more often associated with men than with women. This belief is strongly held by scientists, laypeople, and even six-year-old children, despite the fact that both genders actually perform almost equally on cognitive tests.
This stereotype already influences young girls’ decisions: studies show that by the end of high school, fewer students want to continue studying in science, technology, or mathematics fields. Women apply significantly less often for jobs associated with genius and are less frequently hired for positions traditionally thought to require “male” intellect. Female candidates are less often recommended for promotion if the job description includes a requirement for high intellect — similarly, five-year-olds are more likely to choose boy teammates when playing games meant for “very smart kids.”
In their new study, Boglárka Nyúl, Inna Ksenofontov, Alexandra Fleischmann, and Rotem Kahalon report on four experiments examining genius as a gender norm violation, with a total of 920 participants.
When participants had to compare an average intellect woman with a woman of outstanding intellect, the researchers found that
more intelligent women are deemed to be more masculine, and genius is considered a masculine trait regardless of gender.
The experts also asked the participants to imagine that a new person arrives at their workplace, who attended school with one of their colleagues. This colleague tells them that the new employee was the most talented student in their year and was able to solve the most difficult tasks, which was allegedly no different at university. The participants were then asked to share their opinions about this person. However, the opinions varied depending on whether the person was male or female.
Since brilliant women contradict traditional social norms, they face many disadvantages at work: their colleagues like them less and are less willing to work with them. When participants were asked to compare a genius man and a genius woman—two employees with equal abilities—the woman was judged to be less likable. Although high intellect is undoubtedly an advantage professionally, the authors point out that coworkers’ perceptions also play an important role in career development. Beliefs about genius not only concern intellectual ability and talent but also include the personality traits considered necessary for success in scientific careers—traits mostly associated with male gender roles.
According to the researchers, stereotypes about genius not only reinforce subtle prejudices against women but also negatively affect girls’ career decisions and their commitment to scientific fields. It is important to reconsider the concept of genius so that it becomes gender-neutral—for example, by featuring more highly intelligent women in films or textbooks. The authors emphasize that these women should not be portrayed as oddities: the goal is for young girls to feel close to them and see that the paths previously thought to be “boys’ paths” are also open to them.