External factors (gender + girls do better)

Question 1

How does feminism in a wider society relate to gender differences in educational achievement (girls do better)?

Answer 1

• modern media portrays more strong independent women - self image of girls improves, more confidence in abilities etc can cause self fulfilling prophecy

Question 2

How does changes in the family relate to gender differences in educational achievement (girls do better)?

Answer 2

• an increase in the divorce rate / more divorced parents + single parent households that are women dominated will show girls that it is unwise to rely on men for financial support

• more women look to get careers and jobs to support themselves
• encourages hard work which leads to educational success

Question 3

How does changes in women’s employment relate to gender differences in educational achievement (girls do better)?

Answer 3

• female dominated jobs have increased - positive role models
• equal pay act etc = awareness of inequality has gone up so girls are less likely to tolerate discrimination, gives them more opportunity + confidence to be more independent