Gender theories, boys and literacy

Concern about boys' literacy has encouraged widespread discussion.

Comments made by teachers, parents and others often reflect particular beliefs about gender or gender frameworks, such as

Consider how the following comments about boys and literacy link to specific gender beliefs or frameworks.

Boys are disadvantaged in literacy because they can't relate to female teachers.
Boys need literacy programs that cater to their natural interest in competition and physical activity.
Boys get messages from their families, sport, the media, computer games and school that to be masculine you need to be interested in sport and girls - that it's cool to be a fool.
If you are a boy and you like English, novels and debating then you are subject to homophobic abuse - you get called a poof, wuss or girlie.
Boys would do better if teachers just taught them reading and writing skills, and didn't ask them to talk about feelings.
Effective literacy programs for under-achieving boys encourage them to explore how language shapes their lives.
Boys' testosterone surges mean that they are more likely than girls to have behaviour problems and have problems with literacy.
If male PE teachers taught literacy, boys' performance would improve.

Gender theories, boys and literacy new window 39k new window examines parent and teacher comments about boys and literacy.