Gender Differences in Gifted Children

Research studies that address questions pertaining to significant differences between gifted boys and girls range from teachers‘ stereotypes that influence identification and nominations for advanced programs (Barber & Torney-Purta, 2008) to an examination of external and internal factors contributing to eventual achievement (Reis, 2002). Do differences in achievement among gifted boys and girls still exist? Do gifted girls still fail to realize their potentials in adulthood? Are gifted boys still limited in their career choices because of sex-role stereotypes? This chapter explores the social and emotional factors that are reported to influence gifted girls‘ and boys‘ achievement and success.