Boys Achievement

Globalisation and the decline in traditional male jobs

A01 - Since the 80’s there has been a decline in certain jobs- iron, steel, shipbuilding, engineering (male working class jobs)- as a result of the globalisation of the economy.

A02 – Mitsos and Browne - This has led to an identity crisis for men- boys believe they have little prospects.

A03 – Mainly decline in jobs that require few qualifications so it is unlikely this would have an impact on boys motivation.

Boys Literacy

A01 - Parents spend less time reading to their sons. As a result poor literacy skills.Mothers are usually the ones who read to their children- seen as feminine. As a result poor literacy.

A02 – Oakhill and Petrides – boys interest in content of what they read influences their ability to understand a text. Where as for girls this isn’t the case.

Feminisation of Education

A01 - Schools do not nurture masculine traits, such as competitiveness and

leadership.

A02 - Sewell: ‘We have challenged the 1950’s patriarchy and rightly said this is

not a man’s world. But we have thrown the boy out with the bath water’. 

A03 - There are gender differences in the subjects taken by girls and boys, with girls being socialized into focusing on specific subjects