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National Literacy Trust research reveals widening gender gap in boys’ and girls’ attitudes towards reading and writing
18 Aug 2010
* Please note that these figures have been released prior to the launch of the full study, which will be launched during October 2010.
The widening gender gap in boys’ and girls’ achievement, as shown in the recent Sats results, is supported by new National Literacy Trust research* which reveals the difference in attitudes and participation in reading and writing between the genders has increased since 2005.
Of the 17,089 young people surveyed girls read significantly more frequently than boys, with 39% of girls saying they read everyday, compared with just 28% of boys. This is compared with 2005 when 42% of girls said they read everyday, compared with 35% of boys. Reading frequency is strongly linked to attainment levels, with 60% of those who read every day achieving above the expected levels for their age compared with just 5% of those who ”never” read achieving above the expected levels.
The National Literacy Trust research also reveals that:
- 43% of boys say they enjoy reading compared with 58% of girls
- 19% of boys say they only read in class while just 11% of girls agree with this statement
- 24% of boys think reading is boring, compared with 13% of girls
- 45% of girls like going to the library, while only 35% of boys do
- Twice as many boys as girls “never” write (8% boys v 4% of girls)
- Just 12% of boys write poems, compared with 21% of girls
Like our research, the recently released Sats results also show an increasing gender gap. In English Sats, 40% of girls obtained a standard higher than that expected of their age group, while just 26% of boys did so. This is a gap of 14 percentage points, compared with just 12 percentage points last year.
The research findings come as A-Level and GCSE results are released this week and next week respectively. With A-Level results predicted to improve for the 28th year in a row, they are expected to show an evident gender gap. Last year’s GCSE results showed a slight widening of the gap between boys’ and girls’ achievements at the highest levels and a gender gap is predicted in this year’s GCSE results.
National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas says:
“In recent times, boys have been lagging behind girls academically, but it’s concerning that Sats results and our research show the gap is continuing to grow. We expect the upcoming exam results to reveal that the gender gap is still evident and we want bring this vital issue to both public and government attention.
Our culture typecasts reading and writing as feminine activities and stereotypes and attitudes must change if we want our boys to achieve the same academic success as girls.
We have recently experienced huge success with a project that inspired boys to read through the excitement surrounding the football World Cup. More things like this must be done to instil a love of reading in boys, and to change their negative attitudes. We need to show boys that reading and writing are ‘cool’ and are the first step on a promising career path and towards a successful life.
Ends
*The full National Literacy Trust research report is due to be launched in October 2010.
For further information or to arrange an interview with National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas please contact Anna Lindsay, National Literacy Trust Public Relations Officer on 020 7820 6256 or Anna.Lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
1. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
