Boys and Girls adrift

Boys and education

"Boys Adrift" is a book by Dr. Leonard Sax, a physician and psychologist, published in 2007. The book discusses the challenges faced by boys and young men in contemporary society and proposes several solutions to help address these challenges.

Dr. Sax argues that boys are struggling in several areas, including education, physical health, and social development. He suggests that a culture that devalues masculinity and traditional male traits, such as competitiveness and risk-taking, is partially responsible for these challenges. Additionally, he points to a lack of male role models and an educational system that does not adequately address the needs of boys as contributing factors. Dr. Sax argues that schools are not structured in a way that meets the needs of boys, who tend to be more physically active and have shorter attention spans. He also suggests that boys are not being challenged enough in the classroom and that many are not taught in a way that appeals to their learning style.

Another factor contributing to the crisis of masculinity, is the changing role of fathers in boys' lives. He argues that many boys lack a strong male role model and that fathers are increasingly absent or disengaged. This can lead to boys feeling adrift and lacking in direction. Finally, Dr. Sax suggests that technology is contributing to the crisis of masculinity by promoting instant gratification and a lack of face-to-face communication. He argues that boys are spending too much time playing video games and engaging with social media, which can lead to a lack of social skills and a sense of isolation.

I can personally attest to these negative trends in education in the last 40 years. Just looking at one indicator, the GCSE results, in this same time period shows an increasing gender gap with girls out performing boys on average by at least nine percentage points each year which results in one to two grades difference. It may seem as if I am stating the obvious, that boys and girls are different, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. However, in modern education they are taught as if they are same. The attitude of many educators is that boys are 'just lazy' or more interested in 'goofing around' and being immature than focusing on their work. 

However, in my experience the opposite is true. But a number of things need to be put in place. At St Mary's we are very aware of these trends and put in place several strategies to overcome them. Before I continue, just a thought occured to me. I wonder if St Philip Neri or St John Bosco encountered the same problems when trying to teach boys. The first thing they did even before proclaiming the Kerygma, teaching Catechism or encouraging the interior life and a persistant cultivation of virtue was to befriend the boys and 'call them by name' as Christ called the disciples. To show them through their personal Holiness, that Deus Amor est, 'God is love' and that they are beloved 'Sons of God' adopted through Christ into His everlasting kingdom with a unique destiny and purpose that they can choose or reject. In the words of St John Henry Newman, 'God has created me to do Him some definate service that he has not committed to another.' On these foundational truths of identity and purpose great things can be built. 

Of course other factors are also important such as, recognising and accommodating the unique learning style of boys, providing positive male role models, fostering a love of reading and learning, encouraging physical activity and a love of nature and the great outdoors, and limiting screen time. Parents in union with St Mary's academy can help boys achieve Eudaimonia. 

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Girls and education

It is great that girls are achieving excellent exam results and this should be celebrated. But, at what cost? Girls are also effected negatively by modern trends. However, it does not effect girls in the same way. It is not so much their minds that are effected but their hearts. Dr Sax explores the challenges facing young women today. In the book 'Girls adrift' he argues that many girls are struggling with a crisis of identity and are facing significant challenges in their personal and academic lives.

One of the key points made in the book is that many girls are experiencing a decline in their mental health, with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Dr. Sax suggests that this is partly due to the societal pressures to achieve at all costs, social media, the pressure to dress and act immodestly, to get involved in casual relationships, low self worth and a constant sense of self-evaluation.

Finally, Dr. Sax suggests that the decline of female friendships is also contributing to the challenges facing young women. He argues that social media has made it easier for girls to maintain superficial connections with many people, but that this can lead to a lack of deep and meaningful friendships something incredibly important for girls.

At St Mary's we try to address these issues by encouraging growth in the interior life as mentioned above, fostering a growth mindset, promoting positive relationships, addressing social and emotional needs, and promoting self-confidence, we can help girls thrive in school and beyond.