Gender problem - Coursework Example

Gender problem Gender problem Topic: Masculinity crisis and its effect on the education of the boy-child Introduction Masculinity, as constructed by the society had had adverse impacts on the boy child especially in the course of education. Masculinity in this context explains that the boys have termed themselves superior, and do not want to associate themselves with activities that would make them less masculine (Morris, 2012). The author continues to indicate that the crisis of the boys in the academic setting has led to the failure of the boys as opposed to the girls (Morris, 2012).

This explains that the boys show very little interest in educational activities and continually defy the rules set in the schools (Morris, 2012; Martino & Meyenn, 2001). All these emanate from the fact that the boys believe that they exist in a boy world that expects them to be tough, aggressive, stern and even defiant. Historical background In terms of historical background, masculinity crisis in the boys in the educational setting has had a long record. Since time immemorial, lots of men have continually continued to suffer the wrath of living up to their societal constructed masculinity.

The same masculinity has been expressed in the educational setting where the boys are expected to be tough and not show any form of passiveness. The boys, therefore, become aggressive and chose not to adhere to the school’s regulations. In the end, the boys do not perform as expected of them. Jones and Myhill (2004a) indicate that for a long time, the boys have been associated with misbehavior that leads to their underachievement in education. This stereotype has continued to discriminate the boys in the classroom setting; thus, placing them at a lower bar than the girls as far as education matters are concerned.

The crisis of masculinity instilled in these boys continues to derail their abilities to act normally. They act as per the requirements of the society and their peers. Boys will then continue to be troubled and the girls hopeful (Jones & Myhill, 2004b).The gender gap; as a result, keeps widening. Current framing of the gender debate In the present day society the crisis of masculinity in the education setting is also evident. As seen in the research conducted by Whitmire & Bailey (2010), the performance of the boys has greatly been hampered by the construction of masculinity that has led to the school environment being too harsh for them.

The boys then find it difficult to live up to the expectations of the school authorities.Recommendation So as to reverse the situation, Gibson & Martinez’s (2003) work relates to recommendation that the boys may be taught that they can use their masculinity to compete with the girls in the educational tasks as opposed to rebelling the rules set by the authorities. On the other hand, the classroom environment may be created in such a manner that the boys are given the opportunity to show their prowess, such as being the group leaders, reading classroom texts or even being monitors.

This will help them use their masculinity in a positive way.ReferencesGibson, T. & Martinez, L. (2003). Boys: getting it right? Redress: Journal of the Association of Women Educators, 12(1), 15-17.Jones, S. & Myhill, D. (2004a). Seeing Things Differently: Boys as Underachievers. Gender and Education, 16(4).Jones, S. & Myhill, D. (2004b). ‘Troublesome boys’ and ‘compliant girls’: Gender identity and perceptions of achievement and underachievement. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 25(5).

Martino, W. & Meyenn, B. (2001).What About the Boys? Issues of Masculinity in Schools. Buckingham, Philadelphia: Open University Press.Morris, E, W. (2012). Learning the Hard Way: Masculinity, Place, and the Gender Gap in Education. London: Rutgers University Press. Whitmire, R. & Bailey, S. (2010). Gender Gap. Education Next, 10(2).