Gender

Question 1

What are the three main reasons for girls doing better at school than boys?

Answer 1

1. Equal opportunity
2. More role models for girls now
3. Women movement and feminism

Question 2

What is the effect on achievement of equal opportunity for girls?

Answer 2

• girls are able to fulfill potential more easily
• teachers are now more sensitive to avoid stereotyping girls
• girls are more motivated to work harder to do well
• increase in ‘girl friendliness’ across girls’ experience of school

Question 3

What is the effect on achievement of more role models for girls?

Answer 3

• There are more role models for girls to look up to now
• There are more well-achieved women in high up careers which encourages girls to work hard as they see possible goals and want for that future

Question 4

What is the effect of womens movement and feminism on girls achievement?

Answer 4

As traditional stereotypes of women have been challenged, they have gone from housewives to excelling in education

Question 5

What does different socialisation between girls and boys result in?

Answer 5

• Gender stereotypes in subject choice and careers

Question 6

What changes within schools have affected gender and achievement?

Answer 6

• majority of primary teachers are female, not enough male teachers act as role models to reduce ‘laddish’ behavour
• some teachers have lower expectations of male students who they perceive as lacking motivations (leads to self-fulfilling prophecy)

Question 7

Why are boys underachieving in education?

Answer 7

A crisis of masculinity as they no longer have a clear cut role in society

Question 8

What differences are there between girls and boys reasoning for achievement?

Answer 8

boys are:
- less able to efficiently manage time + get distracted easily
- less willing to do homework
- less likely to consider future