Outline THREE reasons for gender differences in educational achievement.

One reason for gender differences in educational achievement is the impact of feminism. Feminism has encouraged girls ambition and widened their perceived life choices thus encouraging female achievement in the education system. A second reason is changes in the family. Since the 1970s, the increased divorce rate and female headed lone-parent families, as well as the fact that women are getting married and having children later on in life mean that girls view education as necessary in order to get a well paid job and be independent. A final reason for gender differences in educational differences is the introduction of GCSE coursework. Coursework is believed to favour girls as they tend to be more conscientious and better organised than boys.