Chapter 1. Are Today's Girls Academically Superior to Boys?

Short Description

Boys invest less in school performance than girls do. Why?

Long Description

Boys invest less in school performance than girls do. Why? School psychologist Michael Thompson argues that society encourages girls to pursue academic excellence, while boys are taught that success comes through athletic success. More male teachers, suggests Thompson, might reverse the pattern. Jefferson Academy in Long Beach, California has an even ratio of male and female teachers. During academic periods, the genders are separated. Instructors use more competition and physical activity in the male classrooms and content is more male-oriented. Boys report that they learn more and feel less embarrassed about mistakes with no girls present. Test scores for boys at the school have increased dramatically. Thompson argues that society tolerates boys' academic difficulties because they eventually get good jobs regardless. Although they may achieve greater academic success, women continue to receive less pay. This may change as women now outnumber men in medical, law, and business schools.

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