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Teenage boys" perceptions of the influence of teachers and school experiences on their understanding of masculinity.
A paper presented by John R. Lee
Australian Association for Research in Education Conference
The University of Sydney, 6th December 2000
 
Contact details:
John R. Lee
Australian Catholic University (EdD Candidate)
email: johnlizlee@ozemail.com.au
 
 
Abstract:
There is widespread interest in the education of boys in school. Research undertaken by Robert Connell, Mairtin Mac an Ghaill and others suggests that there are a range of masculinities displayed by teenage boys. Some of the multiple masculinities chosen are in conflict with accepted concepts of educational achievement. This paper is a report on a doctoral research project. This study is investigating the perceptions of Year 11 high school boys in two single sex Catholic schools. These adolescents share their understanding of what it means to be a man today. The teenage boys in the study identify aspects of school life that they perceive as influencing their sense of masculinity. QSR NUD.IST is used to assist in the analysis of data from interviews and focus groups. The paper explores the boys" views of the impact of teachers, coaches, sport, discipline and classroom experiences on their understanding of what it means to be a man. Implications of the data for educational leaders and researchers are presented. Recommendations for improving educational outcomes are made that draw on the perceptive comments made by the teenage boys.
 
 
 
 
Introduction
 
This paper reports on a current doctoral research project: Teenage boys" perceptions of the influence of teachers and school experiences on their understanding of masculinity.
There is significant community interest in the educational performance of boys. Young people are a part of a society that is undergoing rapid cultural and economic change. Whilst both young men and women are at risk in...