In "Toward a Feminist Algebra," a paper presented at a 1993 meeting of the Mathematical Association of America, Maryanne Campbell and Randall K. Campbell-Wright concluded that women are discouraged from studying math because word problems used to test students' grasp of mathematical concepts refer to situations fraught with sexist stereotypes.

The authors noted their disapproval of a particular problem in which a girl and her boyfriend run toward each other—even though the girl's slower speed is explained by the fact that she is carrying luggage—because it described exclusively heterosexual involvement. They objected to another problem about a contractor and the contractor's workers—worded so as not to specify their sex—because students would supposedly envision the workers as male. However, they approved of a problem about Sue and Debbie, "a couple financing their $70,000 home."

In conclusion, the authors called for problems "presenting female heroes and breaking gender stereotypes," "analyzing sex similarities and differences intentionally," and "affirming women's experiences."

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