Where have all the boys gone? How the systematic labeling of young males is affecting school performance, attendance, and graduation rates in America

Abstract

Two decades of data indicate that females outperform males in the American education system. Moreover, more recent data indicate an unprecedented shift has occurred in American higher education:  women, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, are significantly more likely to enroll in college, to graduate from college, and to earn degrees—including advanced degrees. Few scholars are analyzing why this unprecedented shift has occurred. This paper will explore the various corollaries related to the deteriorating performance of males in the American education system and will challenge the existing structures that perpetuate the systematic failure of males in the academic setting. In addition, specific strategies aimed at improving the declining status of males in the education system will be discussed.

Keywords: boys in school, males in education, failure of boys in school, gender differences in school performance.