A new study reveals that sex differences in academic strengths are found throughout the world and girls' relative advantage in reading and boys' in science is largest in gender-equal countries.

The paradox has received widespread attention both in research and in social media, and has led some to argue, for example, that gender equality efforts may be dysfunctional or meaningless.

But when a proper understanding of equality and gender differences is such a crucial conversation, he adds, “it’s important to hold this work to very high standards of rigor.” Science , 2018 ...