Chapter 16: The Influence of High School and University Experiences on Women’s Pursuit of Undergraduate Mathematics Degrees in Canada

This chapter discusses a study conducted in Ontario, Canada, which explored the high school and university mathematics experiences of women currently enrolled in upper years of undergraduate mathematics degree programs. The findings highlight the importance that the women placed on supportive social relationships, their preference for applied mathematics, and how they confront feeling “othered” in a variety of ways. Data collection occurred via individual semi-structured interviews with six women, and these interviews focused on the women’s families, peers, personal characteristics, and experiences with the formal education system. I begin by providing statistical data, theoretical perspectives, and related literature on gender issues in mathematics, particularly at the post-secondary level. I next describe the context of this study, from the broader provincial education system to the university at which the study occurred. The remainder of the chapter is allocated to discussions of the methodology, findings, and conclusions of this study.