I think that is partially true based on anecdotal evidence from a friend who tutors students in math. But still, there seem to be intrinsic differences between the genders in the general nature of their interests.
I don't think this is bad. Women are obviously much smarter than men in certain areas of life and it has been said that behind every great man there is an even better woman. What needs to happen is for us to realize the mind's quantitative abilities are not the only important aspect of the mind.
Anyways, I don't think women should be purposefully kept from quantitative disciplines. I think the system should be entirely merit based and if women want to be technical then they should do the same work as men.
I deny that the theory of genetic male/female differences in what interests one has (or tends to have) is plausible. I think it is like astrology. One takes something, and says it causes something else, for no reason. One needs an explanation of how it causes it.
Of course there are observed gender differences. Culture can explain that. We can actually explain how culture could cause all of the observed effects. With genetics there isn't any explanation.
What about physiology, such as the differences between the brains? Also, until we completely separate procreation from reproduction, men and women will have different social roles, which underlies the cultural influences you mention.
I don't think this is bad. Women are obviously much smarter than men in certain areas of life and it has been said that behind every great man there is an even better woman. What needs to happen is for us to realize the mind's quantitative abilities are not the only important aspect of the mind.
Anyways, I don't think women should be purposefully kept from quantitative disciplines. I think the system should be entirely merit based and if women want to be technical then they should do the same work as men.