Sociohistorical forces include discrimination policies, especially differential treatment in the area of mathematics. Extensive case studies are recorded to let readers explore for themselves. Not only does the individual act and react with these forces, but the forces interact with each other. People in the community use their past experiences to generate expectations for their children and education. School administrators and teachers use their past experiences to create curricula and expectations for the students.
Students use their past experiences to decide how to react in current mathematics classes.
Successful students use past experiences as sources of inspiration and motivation. Martin thinks community has the greatest influence on success. This is where research needs to concentrate. Successful students told him that they just knew math was important. Their motivation sometimes came from their parents, but sometimes it came in spite of their parents.