This document reviews current literature, and contains the following section titles: General background; Current position in New Zealand and trends; Cross-cultural studies; Spatial visualization and problem solving; Achievement; Attitudes; Attitudes and Achievement; Mathematics as useful; Confidence in mathematics ability; Socialization/sex typing; Women in mathematics-related fields; Home environment; School environment; Type of school; Careers; and Summary. It is noted that the studies vary in their reports of exactly when sex differences in mathematics achievement emerge, but generally it is reported that there are few differences at the primary level. It is in high school that males pull ahead. Even when participation and achievement are almost equal in middle high school, as is the case for recent New Zealand school certificate exams, girls are still less likely than boys to continue with mathematics. It is felt that useful investigations could look further into the relationship between the development of attitudes towards mathematics and participation and achievement in mathematics. (MP)