Working With Boys: Creating Cultures of Mutual Respect in Schools

When peer-on-peer sexual abuse becomes commonplace in schools, society has a problem. The toxic attitudes and behaviour some boys display towards girls and women begin with the way those boys relate to each other, especially in school. This book offers an in-depth analysis of the problems facing boys and gives teachers the tools to help boys create relational cultures that are mutually respectful.

Part One of the book looks at how boys relate to each other and how that affects the way they relate to girls and women. Part Two outlines a programme that can be delivered, lesson by lesson, to pupils aged 9 to 18. The programme covers specific lesson topics that can be adapted for different age groups, including:

• Anger
• Banter
• Fear of humiliation
• Boy hierarchies
• Jostling and consent
• Crying and emotional expression
• Lifestyle choices

Working with Boys is a whole-school, iterative programme of studythat uses guided reflection to empower boys to self-regulate their attitudes and behaviour. This book is essential reading for school leaders and teachers who want to promote a school environment in which boys are consistently principled, honourable, noble, trustworthy, upright and dignified.