EDUCATION GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ACHIEVEMENT LESSON 3 GENDER

EDUCATION GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ACHIEVEMENT LESSON 3

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT

PICTIONARY 1 What do you think the main reasons for boys underachievement would be? 2 3 4

PICTIONARY 1 What do you think the main reasons for boys underachievement would be? 2 Feminisation ‘Laddish’ subcultures of schooling 3 Literacy 4 Globalisation

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT Sociologists have recently focused their attention towards the reasons why boys are underachieving. They have identified several factors that may be responsible. ‘Laddish’ subcultures Feminisation of schooling Literacy Globalisation

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT SEWELL (2006) Feminisation of schooling Sewell argues that boys are underachieving because education has become ‘feminised’. This means that schools no longer embody traditional masculine traits such as competition and leadership. LACK OF MALE ROLE MODELS Some sociologists argue that the lack of male role models within school means education has become more ‘feminised’ - for example, only 1 in 6 primary school teachers are men. Some sociologists also believe with the rise of female-headed lone-parent families, the lack of male role models at home is a contributing factor to boys underachievement.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT SEWELL (2006) Feminisation of schooling AO 3 How could you evaluate both these points? Sewell argues that boys are underachieving because education has become ‘feminised’. This means that schools no longer embody traditional masculine traits such as competition and leadership. LACK OF MALE ROLE MODELS Some sociologists argue that the lack of male role models within school means education has become more ‘feminised’ - for example, only 1 in 6 primary school teachers are men. Some sociologists also believe with the rise of female-headed lone-parent families, the lack of male role models at home is a contributing factor to boys underachievement.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT FRANCIS (2001) Francis found that boys are concerned about being labelled as ‘smart’ by their peers, because this threatens their masculinity. Working class subcultures see non-manual work (eg. schoolwork) as feminine. EPSTEIN (1998) Epstein found that pro-school working-class boys were likely to be harassed, labelled as ‘gay’ and subjected to verbal abuse by their peers. ‘Laddish’ subcultures Laddish subcultures may lead to boy’s underachievement. Studies show that boys receive peer pressure to be anti-school.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT FRANCIS (2001) Francis found that boys are concerned about being labelled as ‘smart’ by their peers, because this threatens their masculinity. Working class subcultures see non-manual work (eg. schoolwork) as feminine. EPSTEIN (1998) Epstein found that pro-school working-class boys were likely to be harassed, labelled as ‘gay’ and subjected to verbal abuse by their peers. STRETCH YOURSELF! How can you link these sociologists points to your knowledge on class and education? ‘Laddish’ subcultures

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT Globalisation since the 1980’s has meant that the manufacturing industries have relocated ino development countries. Globalisation has therefore led to a decline in traditional male jobs in heavy industries such as shipbuilding, mining and manufacturing within the UK. Some sociologists argue that the decline in heavy industry employment has led to an identity crisis amongst males. Many boys now believe that they do not have a chance at getting a job and therefore have less motivation to get qualifications.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT ❏ Parents spend less time reading to their sons because it is seen as a feminine activity. ❏ Boys leisure interests (such as sport and computer games) do not encourage communication and language skills, whereas girls bedroom culture does. Literacy Sociologist have identified boys poor literacy skills are a further factor contributing to their underachievement.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION - BOYS UNDERACHIEVEMENT Have a read of this article and consider: What points does he make that link to what we’ve learnt about this lesson? How far do you agree with him?

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATION – Boys Underachievement Plenary ‘Laddish’ subcultures Literacy Feminisation of schooling Globalisation Which of the changes above do you think best explains why boys are underachieving in education. Give plenty of explanation. Think about evidence, relevance, and connection to theories… Use your revision guide for more depth!