Explaining Boys’ Underachievement

The term “crisis of masculinity” refers to the way:

• traditional male industrial jobs have vanished, weakening boys’ belief that education leads to worthwhile work

• girls now outperform boys academically

• competitive school sport has declined

• discipline policies have become harsher for boys

According to Carolyn Jackson, boys adopt “laddish” behaviour mainly to:

• gain praise from teachers

• keep the approval of male peers by challenging authority and avoiding schoolwork

• improve their coursework marks

• reduce the risk of exclusion

Which sociologist’s study is most closely associated with laddish subcultures in schools?

• Sue Sharpe

• Tony Sewell

• Carolyn Jackson

• Basil Bernstein

Critics of the feminisation of schooling argue that boys are disadvantaged because assessment now relies more on:

• multiple-choice tests

• end-of-year written exams only

• oral presentations

• coursework, at which girls tend to excel

One aspect of feminisation is that primary schools are staffed mainly by:

• female teachers, leaving some boys without daily male role models

• male headteachers

• classroom assistants

• external mentors

Girls currently outperform boys:

• only at A-level

• at every stage from primary school to university

• only at GCSE

• nowhere—the gap has closed

The disappearance of coal-mining, steel and similar work has most affected:

• middle-class neighbourhoods

• upper-class rural areas

• working-class communities, undermining boys’ faith in schooling

• all social classes equally

In laddish peer groups, boys often fear that working hard will lead to:

• extra homework

• praise from teachers

• bullying and loss of status

• better exam results

Your notes highlight that many boys view diligent schoolwork as:

• “feminine” and therefore to be avoided

• a way to impress friends

• a path to physical strength

• less important than gaming

Some analysts say the gender gap widened because schools place less emphasis on:

• cooperative group work

• competition in the classroom, traditionally seen as a male trait

• class discussions

• practical activities