Stereotypes of Mathematicians Discourage Study of Math in Britain

May 29, 2008

Among students, "geeky" images of mathematicians and mathematics equal less use and appreciation of math in later life, Great Britain's Economic and Social Research Council reports.

One significant factor is the depiction of mathematicians in film, television, and theater. Basing their judgments on portrayals of such people as Albert Einstein and John Nash, British students tend to believe that mathematicians are old, white, middle-class males who are obsessed with the subject, lack social skills, and have no personal life outside math.

The report also reveals that students' views of math itself include narrow and inaccurate images of the subject, often limited to numbers and basic arithmetic.

Heather Mendick and Marie-Pierre Moreau of London Metropolitan University and Debbie Epstein of Cardiff University conducted the survey. Their report is titled "Mathematical Images and Identities: Education, Entertainment, Social Justice."

"Given the narrow, negative clichés associated with maths and mathematicians, it is hardly surprising that relatively few young people want to continue with the subject," Mendick says.

The findings raise two important issues, she adds. "First, we can see how popular culture is deterring many people from enjoying maths and wanting to carry on with it and, second, it raises issues in relation to social justice as these images are mainly of white, middle-class men and so may discourage other groups disproportionately."

The researchers suggest using popular culture as one way to promote a more positive view of mathematics.

Source: Economic and Social Research Council, May 12, 2008.