Gender Matters

Why Gender Matters is a book that gives lots of great information about the many differences between males and females, including different learning styles, the difference between male and female brains, and also physical differences like the way girls and boys see and hear. In the book, the author also addresses discipline, risk-taking, aggression, sex and drug use and shows how boys and girls react differently to similar situations. Dr. Leonard Sax disagrees with the fact that gender differences is a result of an artificial invention of our culture. Using a scientific approach, and lots of research, Sax argues that gender differences are biologically programmed.

There are many debates today on whether or not schools should have single gender classrooms or not. Sax suggest that we should recognize variances in how girls and boys develop. By understanding the unique qualities of each gender, we can better accommodate the different needs of boys and girls, with regard to the way they are raised, disciplined and educated. Sax suggests that single-sex education may help accommodate these gender differences. However, he does not believe that single-sex education is the only solution. He states that, "For at least some children in some circumstances, single sex activities offer unique opportunities and may even serve to 'inoculate' girls and boys against some of the societal ailments that now threaten children and teenagers" (p. 9). He writes, "Coed schools tend to reinforce gender stereotypes, where as single-sex schools can break down gender stereotypes" (p. 243).

I mostly agree with everything the author says about gender differences especially the way in which males and females learn differently. I also believe that single gender classrooms would be better for all children to attend. It would help them with their learning because there would no longer be as many learning differences in one classroom.

There are some statements in the book which Sax doesn't support with any evidence. One example is when he says, "educators throughout North America make no apologies for the academic character of the twenty-first century kindergarten" (pg. 94) This is an incorrect statement, because teachers are concerned about the children in their classroom.

Leonard Sax uses different kinds of mammals to provide biological research on gender