The Academic Outcomes of Boys: An Argument For A Pluralist Approach

Gregory Ian Bracewell Woodrow

Abstract


The conversation surrounding the underperformance of boys and the issues they face have occupied the popular press and academic articles for some years (see Biddulph [1998], DiPrete and Buchmann [2013] Doyle [2010] and Epstein [1998]). Much of this conversation continues to be polarised along gender lines, driven by those within the debate who have opposing interpretations of the issue of boy’s comparative academic performance in relation to girls. I will discuss the politics of these conflicting interpretations as expressed by pro and post feminism to highlight the contrast that this conversation now finds itself in. Connell (2011) believes that the effect of fragmenting the debate into parallel gender policies is a weakening of equality rationale of the original policy. The relational character of gender is lost by following parallel policies which results in more gender segregation at a time when less is needed. 

I will argue that the rhetoric espoused by authors from different positions across the landscape has done little to unfold the real issues around the underperformance of boys. The rhetorical elements that distract reasoned debate are highlighted by Gilbert and Gilbert (1998) who legitimately ask; “Which boys are we talking about here?â€. Whilst the debate is distracted by a competing victims mentality, any meaningful discussion around the issues of boys or girls will stall. One might argue that whilst the focus remains on the battle, the war will never be won. 

Whilst it is not my intention to present a defined resolution to this dilemma, I will offer an argument against reductionism in favour of a pluralist approach (see Yeatman [1994] and Walby [1992]). The debate will move forward in a mutually beneficial way when opposing views are brought together through an understanding that conversations around boys and girls need to articulate them as equal and interdependent stakeholders within the landscape.

Keywords


Gender Studies

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References


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