Educational gap in financial knowledge: Why girls are often left behind!

Educational gap in financial knowledge: Why girls are often left behind!

A comprehensive study by the University of Tübingen examined significant educational differences in financial matters between students. The study, which surveyed 1,958 tenth graders from 92 schools in Baden-Württemberg, clearly shows that girls in particular often do not exploit their potential in the areas of business and finance. These differences in financial education have far-reaching economic consequences that affect career choices and retirement planning uni-tuebingen.de reported.

The results of the study suggest that the average student answered eight out of twelve financial questions correctly, while female students only answered seven out of twelve questions correctly. This suggests a 13 percent difference in financial literacy. It also showed that boys had a greater interest in economic topics and assessed their abilities in this area better.

Self-confidence as the key to financial education

Another study by ZEW Mannheim complements this picture and indicates that women worldwide tend to perform worse in the area of ​​financial education than men. This study examines the relationship between financial literacy, self-confidence, and stock market participation. Loud leibniz-gemeinschaft.de About 30 percent of the differences in financial literacy between the genders can be attributed to a lack of self-confidence.

What's particularly notable is that women often answer "don't know" when asked about financial questions, even when they know the correct answers. In a second survey where this option was removed, women showed a significantly higher rate of correct answers. It becomes clear that the combination of knowledge and confidence is crucial for participating in the stock market and planning for retirement.

The study by the University of Tübingen recommends taking targeted measures to strengthen girls' self-confidence in mathematics and economics lessons. This includes developing suitable tasks, avoiding gender stereotypes and using role-playing games and project work. The aim is to promote students' self-confidence and arouse their interest in economic topics.

Gender stereotypes and their effects

Research shows that stereotypical ideas about gender in economic issues are not the primary cause of disparities in financial literacy. Nevertheless, they can influence students' self-perception and life choices. The reported influence of these gender stereotypes illustrates how important it is to create comprehensive educational opportunities that promote equal opportunities in the area of ​​financial knowledge at school age.

Overall, it is clear that both confidence and education in the financial sector are crucial to overcome gender disadvantages and advance gender equality in the financial market. Eğitim strengths that are offered at a low threshold in early lessons could, in the long term, help to counteract unequal access to financial education and support girls and women in making conscious financial decisions.