Who Outperforms Whom in School—and Why? The Role of Motivation and Culture in Gender Gaps

Gender differences in school achievement are widely discussed—especially in math, science, and reading. But are these differences universal, and what actually explains them?

In our study, we analyzed PISA data from over 1 million students across 55 countries to better understand global patterns in gender differences.

What we found

• Math: Boys perform slightly better on average.
• Science: No consistent gender difference across countries.
• Reading: Girls outperform boys substantially.

However, these differences are not purely cognitive. Two motivational factors play an important role:

• Self-efficacy (belief in one’s own ability)
• Enjoyment and interest in the subject

For example, boys tend to report higher math self-efficacy, which largely explains the small advantage in mathematics. In reading, girls’ higher enjoyment and interest partly explain their stronger performance.

Culture matters

Gender differences also vary across countries. Cultural and societal norms—such as competitiveness, gender roles, or educational values—are related to how large these gaps are.

In other words, gender differences in achievement are not universal or fixed, but shaped by motivation and cultural context.

Takeaway

Achievement gaps between boys and girls are not simply about ability. They reflect a complex interaction of motivation, beliefs, and societal influences.