4. EDUCATION - Boys Underachievement

Question 1

INTERNAL FACTORS OF BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT:
1.) The feminisation of education
Sewell (2006) says education is feminised and doesn’t nurture the masculine traits such as competitiveness and leadership.
How else is it feminised?

Answer 1

Sewell also argues coursework is a major factor to gender differences as it’s more suited to feminine traits.

Question 2

INTERNAL FACTORS OF BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT:
2.) Laddish Subcultures
Working class boys are likely to be called sissies and homophobic slurs if they’re seen doing their work.
Why is this?

Answer 2

Masculinity is seen as being touch and school is seen as effeminate. Therefore W/C boys are more likely to reject schoolwork as ‘real boys don’t work’ and if they do they get bullied.

Question 3

INTERNAL FACTORS OF BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT:
3.) Shortage of male primary school teachers
The lack of male role models at home and school is said to be a cause of boys underachievement.
Francis (2001) says boys are less likely to be labelled ‘ideal’ and are more likely to be labelled ‘disruptive’
What does this cause?

Answer 3

Self fulfilling prophecies.

Question 4

EXTERNAL FACTORS OF BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT:
1.) Poor Male Literacy
Boys read less than girls. Girls have a ‘bedroom culture’ centred on talking with friends.
This poor literacy will affect boys across all subjects.
What did the government introduce to combat this?

Answer 4

The National Curriculum
Reading Champions Scheme
Dads and Sons

Question 5

EXTERNAL FACTORS OF BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT:
1.) Decline in Manufacturing
Due to the globalisation of economy and relocating industry to cheaper counties there are less jobs in this sector.
Why does this affect achievement?

Answer 5

The boys have little motivation to do well as there’s a lack of prospect in industry jobs.
These jobs require few qualifications.