Gender Differences in Education System: Boys Lagging Behind Girls

Men are lagging behind women in the education system, especially at the college level. In high school, girls are two-thirds of the top academic performers, while boys are two-thirds of those at the bottom. This gender disparity is not limited to the US; it exists in the top 20 economically advanced countries as well, with young women more likely to have a college degree. In Norway, for example, there is a significant 20 point gap. These differences at the college level reflect earlier gaps in the school system. In the past, boys may have had an advantage in math and science, while girls excelled in reading and language. However, today, girls have caught up and even surpassed boys in math and science, while boys are 30 points behind in reading and language. It is important to note that not all boys and men are struggling in the same way.