Former Harvard University President and Economist Lawrence Summers Commented in a 2005

question 36

Essay

Former Harvard University president and economist Lawrence Summers commented in a 2005 speech that his school and others similar to it likely had more men in science and math faculties than women because men's brains were better suited for success in these areas. Does Summers's statement reflect a nature or nurture perspective of human experience? Based on what you have read in Chapter 2, what may be some of the reasons why there is a gender discrepancy in science and math faculties in U.S. colleges and universities? What role does culture play in such discrepancies?

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Definitions:

Equity

The value of an owner's interest in a property or business, after all debts associated with that property or business are paid off.

EBIT

EBIT, which stands for Earnings Before Interest and Taxes, calculates a company's earnings without considering income tax and interest expenses.

Ending Equity

The value remaining for shareholders after subtracting liabilities from assets, evaluated at the end of an accounting period.

Financial Statement

A formal record of the financial activities and position of a business, individual, or other entity, typically including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.