Gender - Boys and Achievement - Feminisation of Education

Question 1

What does Sewell say about the why boys fall behind in education?

Answer 1

Sewell claims that boys fall behind because education has become ‘feminised’.

Question 2

What does feminisation of education mean?

Answer 2

The feminisation of education mean that schools do not nurture ‘masculine’ traits such as competitveness and leadership. Instead, they celebrate qualities more closely associated with girls, such as methodical working and attentiveness in class.

Question 3

What does Sewell see as a major cause of gender differences in achievement?

Answer 3

Sewell sees coursework as a major cause of gender differences in achievement.

Question 4

What does Sewell agrue about coursework?

Answer 4

Sewell argues that some coursework should be replaced with final exams and a greater emphasis should be placed on outdoor adventure in the curriculum.