Boys Gender and Schooling > Issues for schools >

Masculinities matter

Masculinity issues are central to working effectively with boys in schools.

Traditional ideas about men and masculinity have been unsettled in recent decades by social and economic shifts in the western world. Significant impacts have included changes in employment, new family roles and formations, and increasing rates of change itself.

Change has brought uncertainty and a range of responses. Some sections of the men's movement call for the reinstatement of particular masculine and feminine roles. Others argue that just as feminism challenged women with new possibilities, men too have much to gain as they grapple with diverse masculinities and change.

Key issues

Schools help to construct concepts of masculinity so gender construction at school needs to be understood.
Recent research offers new perspectives on masculinity.
Should we do more for the social development of boys?
What are the markers of masculinity?
How do boys experience masculinity? Boys' experiences of masculinity
What does sport mean to boys? Boys and sport
What do boys think about schoolwork? Boys and schoolwork
What do boys understand about girls? Boys versus girls
What about homophobia?
Why it's important for men to get involved - Men working with boys

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Queensland Government