Encyclopedia entry
Gender Differences in Reading, Writing and Language Development
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education
Oxford University Press
30/07/2020
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Abstract
The topic of gender differences in reading, writing, and language development has long been of interest to parents, educators, and public-policy makers. While some researchers have claimed that gender differences in verbal and language abilities are disappearing, careful evaluation of the scientific research shows otherwise. Examination of nationally representative samples of educational achievement data show that there are moderately sized gender differences in reading achievement favoring girls and women (d = −0.19 to −0.44 across age groups), and substantially larger gender differences in writing (d = −0.42 to −0.62), spelling (d = −0.39 to −0.50), and grammar (d = −0.39 to −0.42). Explanations for observed gender differences in verbal and language abilities suggest a complex network of biological, social, and cultural forces rather than any single factor.
Details
- Title
- Gender Differences in Reading, Writing and Language Development
- Creators
- David Reilly - Griffith University
- Publication Details
- Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Identifiers
- 991013085609502368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Encyclopedia entry