Sex Differences in Academic Behaviour

Abstract

In this article, I have presented some data on sex differences in academic studies. The basis for my study is a sample of students with the final degree from the gymnasium in the years 1946, 1951 and 1958. The results of the investigation show that many more male than female students graduate from academic institutions. The study of examination grades, length of study and study break reveals much smaller differences in the academic behaviour of men and women.

I have suggested that the greater dropout rate for women than for men may be caused by sex differences in family obligations. The data do not provide an opportunity to determine this completely, but the results indicate that marriage and children have a rather small influence on other aspects of academic behaviour. The rather few differences according to sex and family obligations for graduates may be due to selection through drop out, so that those who graduate are the most able and the most motivated to pursue academic studies. I have also suggested that academic institutions may be more egalitarian than other institutions, and, in addition, that both men and women are adjusted to demands for intellectual performance during the school years.