A new report by Teach First has suggested that a lack of role models is why girls do not pursue science as much as boys. The organisation found that only two female scientists are mentioned in the GCSE curriculum, in contrast to over 40 men. It believes this explains the fact so many drop out of the subject before A Levels.

Make no mistake, role models matter; who could disagree that idols and inspiration don’t make anyone, young or old, to think about careers and new issues? And yet, we have gotten to a point where they are also being overly emphasised as the source of gender imbalances in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications and careers.

In fact, nowadays it is incredibly fashionable to think that sociological factors explain imbalances in any sector where there are more men than women. Talk to someone at a dinner party and they might say that the patriarchy, stereotypes and/ or discrimination are to blame. Generally, there is an idea that we are blank slates - that men and women are neurologically identical - and all things being equal we should see half of each in the same professions. Anything else is considered suspicious and in need of remedying.