A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What does Lees (1986) argue regarding boys and verbal abuse?

1. They often support girls in their choices

2. They use name-calling to demean girls based on appearance or behavior

3. They avoid using direct insults in schools

4. They promote positive reinforcement among peers

The correct answer is: They use name-calling to demean girls based on appearance or behavior

Lees (1986) argues that boys frequently engage in verbal abuse as a means to assert power and control over girls, primarily through name-calling that targets girls' appearances and behaviors. This form of verbal abuse reflects broader societal attitudes towards gender and reinforces stereotypes, diminishing girls' confidence and perpetuating a culture of sexism within educational environments. The use of derogatory language serves not only to demean individual girls but also to uphold the status quo regarding gender relations among peers. This behavior illustrates the dynamics of power and control that can manifest in school settings, where boys may feel compelled to conform to certain masculine norms that encourage belittling and objectifying girls.