Gender Differences In Self Esteem

Question 1

How does self-esteem impact on education

Answer 1

• self esteem impacts on perceived ability
• over-estimating ability leads to less concentration on work
• under-estimating ability leads to working harder
• Rejection can lead to de-motivation and underachievement

Question 2

Differences in Self esteem between males and females

Answer 2

• gender socialisation of males and females - males have higher self-esteem in primary socialisation
• Barber boys over estimate their own ability whilst girls under-estimate theirs
• self esteem changing in school - boys rejected as behaviour does not fit in, females have self-esteem reinforced and act with more maturity

Question 3

Evidence Self esteem impact girls achievement

Answer 3

• Licht and Dweck - girls lack confidence in their ability
• Francis girl receive less attention than boys in classrooms, although it is mostly positive attention that girls receive
• Sharpe girls aspirations increased as a result of feminism giving them more confidence to aim higher
• Power et al - girls more driven to succeed - also under more pressure

Question 4

Evidence Self esteem impact boys achievement

Answer 4

• boys seen as disruptive and receive negative attention
• less likely to achieve status from teachers for their behaviour to turn to peer-groups
• lower expectations of boys - lower performance
• crisis of masculinity - less motivation as a result of fatalistic attitudes

Question 5

Evaluations

Answer 5

• conversely girls despite having lower self esteem achieve higher
• feminisation of education and female role models in education alter girls attitudes towards themselves
• Skelton and Francis - girls believe they will never be good enough
• education erodes the self-esteem of boys who do not conform but process of socialisation reaffirms their position in society