Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of gender differences in educational achievement - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1

Sociological explanations of gender differences in educational achievement typically focus on various external and internal factors influencing educational outcomes.

External Factors

1. Socialisation: The role of primary and secondary socialisation can significantly impact educational performance. Parents, often socialise children into traditional gender roles, with girls being encouraged to be more academically inclined while boys may be encouraged towards assertiveness and practical skills. This shapes their attitudes towards education and ultimately their academic achievements.

2. Parental Attitudes: Parents' expectations and values play a crucial role. Research indicates that parents of sons may prioritize different outcomes, which can affect motivation and achievement levels in boys compared to girls.

3. Employment Opportunities: Changes in the labor market can shift how genders perceive education's importance. As employment opportunities for women have increased, this may have motivated girls to invest more prominently in their education, reversing traditional trends.

Internal Factors

4. School Organisation: The schools' structure can influence achievement levels. Mixed-gender education settings often highlight gender comparisons, which may influence students' perceptions of their abilities based on gender.

5. Social Interactions: The dynamics within schools, including teacher treatment of students based on gender, can perpetuate stereotypes that impact students' confidence and academic engagement.

6. Peer Influence: The interactions among peers in school settings also contribute significantly. Gender-typical behaviors among peers may discourage certain academic pursuits for boys and girls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to evaluate these sociological explanations, it becomes clear that explicitly understanding gender differences in educational achievement necessitates examining a combination of external social forces and the internal dynamics of schooling. These elements collectively influence how different genders navigate their educational journeys.