A Quiet Pandemic: Male Underachievement

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‘Tie the heifer loose the bull’

MALE underachievement.

This is a crucial issue affecting many males in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Many can speak or write about the issue of male underachievement
but it’s difficult to search for answers and solutions to this endemic problem.

The data on male underachievement is obvious – boys are outperformed by girls in the
SEA, CSEC and CAPE examinations. At tertiary levels – more girls are enrolled and even
in areas previously monopolised by males like Engineering- the girls outperform the
boys. Statistics show that more males are in prison than females – a direct result of this
dilemma in society.

In re-awakening the man inside, we need to be mindful of the fact that not all men and
boys are underachievers, prone to criminal activities or violence. When this is taken into
consideration, it makes the problem more realistic and so we can consider viable
solutions and answers.

Secondly, the methods of re-awakening the male in our society would have to be different. Why? Boys and men in Trinidad and Tobago are nurtured in such diverse backgrounds it is natural that they would react or respond differently to any given
situation.

The various ethnic groups (Portuguese, Chinese, Syrian, East Indian and African)
coming from diverse religions, classes, occupations and geographical locations and therefore would acquire different masculinities and identities as dictated by their status
and backgrounds.

Therefore, this re-awakening must entail a search for answers and solutions to be implemented. We need to delve into the causes, symptoms, and impact on society of male underachievement and the links to masculinity.

Let us look at some of the known causes of male underachievement. There are numerous
causes of male underachievement. One of the major reasons for this social malady is the
absence of proper male role models.

These may be the absentee fathers in many homes so as a substitute for male figures other role models are found e.g. on television and movies, music industry or gang leaders in some communities.

The family structure is fragile.

These artistes, actors and gang leaders regularly display eccentric behaviours and
reckless antics. Often they use illegal or legal drugs and their controversial public
statements are internalised by males in Trinidad and Tobago as being the ‘norm’, ‘cool’,
‘hip’, strong, powerful, macho and glamorous.

Furthermore, the macho image associated with these Hollywood or Bollywood stars and
gang leaders directly contributes to male underachievement. How? This macho image is
often one that portrays a carefree life of wealth, partying, sexual freedom and abuse of
legal and illegal drugs. Yes, the macho male in this environment is portrayed as having
many friends, being popular and attracting a host of beautiful women!

So any young man who patterns his life on this macho image will eventually possess low
self-esteem and limited goals in life. It is obvious that if the goal is to be macho then the
young men would not be keen on studying, attaining academic qualifications or attaining social mobility by hard work.

The conditions at home are important in understanding this phenomenon. At home girls
are supervised by parents but boys are allowed to lime. Thus, this strict environment will
make the girls more inclined to study. In fact, two researchers used the expression “tie the heifer loose the bull” to explain this unequal treatment.

A Jamaican researcher, Barry Chevannes, noted that most of male socialisation takes places on the street, where the prevalent behaviours and values are opposite to those in the school. Chevannes also noted that street survival is the name of the game and thus education in schools does not serve the male.

Also, there is a difference in personality and learning orientation in boys. Boys develop
later than girls. Boys are supposed to be tougher and unfortunately stereotyped as being
involved in fights, hard-hearted and rebellious.

There are exceptions as some excel in sports. It’s a sad reality but for some boys- reading books, being more careful, caring and cautious would be considered feminine.

And on the other side- girls read earlier in life and are better in languages which is the gateway to academics.