This paper characterizes sex as a status characteristic, presents data supportive of the characterization, and offers suggestions for remedying the noted imbalance. (Author/AM)

Literature suggests that females have lower initial expectancies for success than males. The antecedents of this difference are considered: (a) by examining when expectancy differences develop, and, (b) by examining cognitive factors which may underlie these differential expectancies. (Author/AM)

Research findings in child development are reviewed to shed light on female achievement motives, with the suggestion that females have high needs for affiliation which influence their achievement motives and behavior, sometimes enhancing and sometimes blocking them. (Author/JM)

Recent developmental theories of sex differences in the valuing of social relatinships and individual achievement help in understanding the nature of sex discrimination in educational institutions. These theories also help to identify ways in which such discrimination may be eliminated. (GC)