Boys’ Underperformance in School Urgently Addressed by Swedish Social Democrats
During an impactful press conference, Åsa Westlund, a prominent member of the Swedish Social Democrats, shed light on the persistent issue of boys’ underperformance in school. For decades, boys’ final grades have lagged behind girls’ grades, consistently hovering around 90 percent. However, the startling statistics from 2023 revealed an alarming figure of 9,500 boys failing to qualify for upper secondary school.
To compound the concern, data indicates that girls generally outperform boys in all subjects except sports and health. National test results further indicate that many boys struggle in the Swedish language from an early age, with difficulties catching up throughout their education.
“In a situation where children kill and are killed, society cannot ignore the fact that boys are disproportionately represented among those who fail school,” stated Westlund during the press conference. She expressed the urgent need to address this issue as a means of curbing recruitment to gangs and reducing societal harm. Westlund emphasized the importance of halting the gangs’ influence and stressed the necessity of preventive measures.
To initiate decisive actions, the Social Democrats have put forth a committee initiative in the education committee. This initiative demands a clear mandate for the Swedish National Agency to propose and implement measures that will strengthen boys’ academic performance. It aims to utilize research and proven experiences to combat the prevailing issue.
The party also believes that increased support from adults and teachers is crucial in motivating and guiding students. Westlund emphasized the significance of such support, especially for students who face difficulties in absorbing the teaching material. Additionally, early interventions focusing on improving Swedish language skills from preschool and primary school were suggested as part of the proposed plan.
The Social Democrats’ commitment to addressing the disparity in education outcomes between boys and girls highlights their determination to create a more equal and inclusive society. By empowering boys with the necessary support and resources, the party aims to break the cycle of underperformance and reduce the risk of gang recruitment.
As the Swedish government considers the committee initiative, many hope that these proposed measures will pave the way for a comprehensive and effective approach to address the longstanding issue of boys’ underperformance in school.