Leaving Boys Behind? The Gender Gap in Education among Children and Young People from Foreign Backgrounds 2010–2020: A Nordic Review

The report is a knowledge overview of the latest research of the similarities and differences between the Nordic countries with regard to the situation and what has been done to help children with foreign backgrounds, especially boys, perform better in school. We want to identify what the Nordic countries can learn about the issue from their respective setbacks and positive advancements.

The report reviews previous and current research on the gender gap in education in the Nordic Region, with a particular focus on boys from foreign backgrounds.

The results are unequivocal. A gender gap in education exists and is growing in all the Nordic countries. As highly skilled and educated workers of both genders are a necessity in an advanced economy, this may cause problems in the long term. There is a distinct possibility that many boys will fall behind, and if this process continues, they will be at a greater risk of marginalisation.

This report also explores the policies and measures to help boys and investigates whether these have been successful. We learn, for example, that early language training is particularly crucial for boys.