Gender Gap in Education: Boys Now Falling Behind
Casal dels Infants – A recent study by Monash University reveals a significant shift in the gender gap within the education sector. While girls were historically considered disadvantaged in academic achievement, the latest findings indicate that boys are now falling behind, particularly in high, middle, and low-income countries, including Indonesia and Fiji.
“The gender gap in education has reversed. Boys are now falling behind girls in achieving educational outcomes across many countries,” said Dr. Michelle Escobar, lead researcher from the Department of Economics at Melbourne University, in a press statement on Tuesday (April 15, 2025).
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The findings are based on two surveys conducted between 2018 and 2021. These surveys involved over 1,400 children aged 5 to 15 living in 24 informal settlements across Indonesia and Fiji. Caregivers were the primary respondents, asked to report how their children spent time on various daily activities.
The study tracked children’s engagement in various activities, such as attending school, doing homework, and helping with household tasks. It also observed their participation in outdoor play and work for income or family businesses. It found that boys generally spent less time on educational activities like studying and school attendance compared to girls. Instead, boys were more involved in unproductive or potentially risky activities.
Dr. Escobar noted that children living in informal settlements already have limited access to educational opportunities. However, boys appeared to be more negatively affected, which could lead to long-term academic and social consequences.
Educational underachievement not only affects academic performance but also influences future life prospects. Previous studies have shown that boys who fall behind in school are more likely to face challenges later in life. These challenges include unemployment, substance abuse, and criminal behavior.
While expanding educational access for girls remains a critical global priority, the growing academic gap affecting boys calls for renewed strategies. Escobar emphasized the importance of school- and community-based initiatives, such as mentoring programs and supplemental learning activities to help balance educational time investment between boys and girls.
“Raising parental awareness about the importance of study time is a crucial first step,” Escobar concluded.
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