So, a lot of guys get into STEM. Some people say it's about IQ, or talent, or interest. Partly, it may be. Partly it's because of expectations that men need to be productive.

But ask any guy why they pick an objective subject (e.g. science) where there's right answers, and it's often because of the (generally correct) perception that they'll be marked down in other topics based on "effort" or "classroom behaviour".

Whether or not it's fair to academically penalise boys for being boys, they know how to avoid it, and one way of avoiding discriminatory treatment in class is to pick subjects where discrimination is less effective.

There's a bit less basis for talking about creative arts, but it seems boys still do OK if they're really good. There's a huge difference between a talented artist or musician and a less talented one, so it's a lot harder to discriminate if someone is obviously really good.