Differential educational Achievement: External Gender (boys)

Question 1

What are the main external factors

Answer 1

1. Crisis Of Masculinity
2. Over estimation of Ability

Question 2

Crisis of Masculinity

Answer 2

Due to globalisation there has been a decline in heavy industries, such as iron and steel, engineering etc

Mitos and Browne: decline in male employment opportunities has led to ‘identity crisis’

IMPACT: results in belief that they will not get a ‘proper job’ low self esteem and motivation to get grades.

Question 3

Over Estimation of Ability

Answer 3

BARBER: boys see themselves as more capable than they really are. This belief runs through to their GCSE exams where they fail to do as well as they imagined but blame everyone but themselves. (teachers)

This overconfidence comes from living in a patriarachal society where men assume they will always succeed over women.

IMPACT: Over confidence leads to lack of preparation for examinations and class work. Accepting responsibility is showing weakness.