Many underachieving girls have fallen victim to the expectations of society and of their families. Stereotyping roles for girls can lead to their being forced away from areas in which they have talent or a deep interest, into conventionally female areas. The implementation of non-sexist education policies in Hong Kong will certainly be of value. Social changes, however, take a long time. The Cause Experts are divided on the causes of under achievement.
Most information is based on research in urban schools in the United States.
It is the child's choice to underachieve. The pressure on children, especially at secondary school, to conform to the mediocre often has more influence than anything parents or teachers can say. Fortunately, negative peer pressure is usually a passing phase. As the pressure to succeed at the Higher School Certificate increases, so too does the realization that one way to a happy and successful future is to work hard to obtain a particular job or to gain a place at university or college. Another cause of under achievement can be family background.