The t-shirt is yellow, 100% cotton and meant for “everyday wear”. Across the front, it declares in italic script, “I’m too pretty to do math”.

While some may see it as a joke, it is sparking widespread criticism from some of Australia’s science leaders.

The shirt, created by Australian label Lioness, has raised questions about the deep-rooted messages girls receive about who mathematics is for.

Research suggests girls receive signals from family and the community that it is OK – and even desirable – not to be “a maths person”. On the other hand, boys are more likely to have their mathematical potential recognised and encouraged.

What is happening with girls and maths? And what’s a better way to approach how they engage with the subject?

For decades, research has consistently shown girls are just as capable of succeeding in maths as boys.

The idea that boys are naturally better at maths is widely debunked by research evidence. Gender differences in maths achievement are largely explained by other reasons, including motivational and social factors, rather than........

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