Why Boys Do Worse (Internal and External)

Question 1

The Feminisation of Education (Internal)

Answer 1

• Sewell (2006) argues this, meaning that schools reward feminine traits such as neat work whilst more masculine traits are not developed. This naturally disadvantages boys in education, he states that we have “thrown the boy out with the bath water.”

However, feminists criticise this by arguing that he considers ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ traits to be natural when they are just a result of socialisation.

Question 2

Laddish Subcultures (Internal)

Answer 2

• Epstein found that boys were more likely to be bullied for being ‘sissy’ or ‘gay’, so they mess around in lesson to avoid this.

Francis argues that these are growing as girls have moved into more traditionally male areas, like having successful careers.

The fact that boys’ exam results increase over time suggests that it does not affect educational achievement.

Question 3

The Decline of Traditional Male Jobs (External)

Answer 3

Many jobs including manual labour such as mining has disappeared due to Globalisation.

Mitsos and Brown argue that this led to a ‘crisis of masculinity’ where boys do not know how to define their masculine identity. This lowers their self esteem.

However, these jobs did not require any academic success so it is unlikely that this has affected boys’ motivation in education.

Question 4

Lack of Male Role Models at Home (External)

Answer 4

The changes in family that may have benefitted girls might well be limiting boys’ educational achievement as the increase in divorces and female led single-parent households means more and more boys lack a positive male role model.

However, there are many other men in a boy’s life that can be a positive role model. E.g. older brother, step-father, grandfather, teacher.