Boys' Education
Saturday, January 01, 2000
The school system is failing boys. Most learning problems, most behaviour problems, most failures are boys. Girls significantly outnumber boys at university. We are looking at a growing pool of unemployable and unhappy males. We are creating a painful legacy for the next generation.
The sexist educationists who think this state of affairs is okay are ignoring the fate of both our sons and our daughters. If boys are neglected, their wives and children too will suffer the lasting effects of their poor self-image and sense of uselessness.
Anecdotes about individual boys who are doing well do not answer this problem. Saying boys should have the same nature as girls does not answer this problem. Schools are failing in their obligation to service both halves of our species.
The campaign to boost girls in schooling has worked very well. But some teachers make boys feel like second-class citizens. Children soak up such attitudes. We should not stop the support for girls. But we should invest at least as much effort in support schemes for boys.
We need an official campaign to boost boys' education. Boys need good male role models at primary school. Male teachers need to be given extra trust when working with difficult boys. Schools should get rid of sexist teachers. Primary schools should aim for a gender mix on the teaching staff.
Philip O'Carroll