Differential Achievement and Gender Internal (Boys)

Question 1

Feminisation of education

Answer 1

Sewell says that boys fall behind in education because it is feminised. Schools don’t nurture masculine traits but celebrate qualities associated with girls, such as methodical working and attentiveness in class.

Question 2

Sewell and coursework

Answer 2

Sewell also says that coursework should be replaced with final exams and there should be a greater emphasis on outdoor adventure in the curriculum.

Question 3

Laddish subcultures

Answer 3

Boys are more concerned than girls about being labelled by peers as swots (nerds), because this label is a of a threat to a boys masculinity than a girls femininity.

Question 4

Why is laddish subculture becoming more widespread

Answer 4

Girls move into more masculine areas such as careers.
Boys respond to this by becoming increasingly laddish in their effort to construct themselves with as non-feminine.

Question 5

Negative teacher interactions

Answer 5

Teachers respond more positively to girls as they are seen as cooperative compared to boys who are seen as disruptive.

Question 6

Francis and troublesome boys

Answer 6

Francis found that even though boys got more attention, they were disciplined more harshly and felt picked on by teachers who tended to have lower expectations.