The perception that girls try harder in school can be linked to a combination of factors, including parental attitudes and societal expectations.
Parental Influence on Effort and Ability
One key aspect contributing to this perception is how parents attribute success in girls versus boys.
- Girls & Effort: According to research, parents are more likely to attribute a girl's success in school to effort. In other words, they see girls succeeding because they worked hard. (06-Oct-2022)
- Boys & Ability: Conversely, parents often attribute a boy's success to innate ability. This implies that boys are seen as succeeding because they are naturally talented or smart. (06-Oct-2022)
This difference in attribution can have a profound impact:
- Girls Value Hard Work: When girls are consistently praised for their effort, they learn to place a higher value on hard work and studying. They understand that effort directly translates to positive outcomes. (06-Oct-2022)
- Boys Undermined by Perceived Lack of Ability: If boys believe they lack the inherent ability, it can negatively affect their performance. They may become discouraged and less likely to put in the necessary effort. (06-Oct-2022)
Societal Expectations
While the provided reference focuses on parental attitudes, it's important to acknowledge broader societal expectations. Historically, girls have been encouraged to be diligent and compliant, which may further reinforce the perception that they try harder in academic settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perception that girls try harder in school is fostered by a combination of parental attitudes attributing their success to effort and societal expectations. This can create a self-reinforcing cycle where girls place a higher value on hard work, while boys might be negatively impacted by perceived lack of innate ability.
