The Disadvantages of Coed Schools
Within the educational system, there has been much debate over whether the single-sex or coed school structure is better. While single-sex systems were once only implemented in private schools, some public schools are now adapting the system as well. Although mixing genders may have some benefits, there are four main disadvantages with this school structure.
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Lowered Academic Performance
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Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of coed schools is the lowered academic performance they sometimes create. This is primarily due to the potential for distraction when opposite sexes interact on a daily basis. For example, a boy might find it difficult to fully concentrate on his professor's lecture when there is an attractive girl across the room. A single-sex school eliminates this type of distraction among heterosexual students and can lead to increased academic performance as a result.
Dissension Among Genders
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Another issue that often develops is dissension among the same genders. For example, boys who attend a coed school are more likely to act aggressively among each other than boys who attend a single-sex school. When females are present, it naturally creates a vying for dominance and often creates conflicts among males.
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Stereotypes
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When mixing genders in an education setting, it is often a catalyst for stereotypes persisting. For example, a girl in a single-sex school is more free to pursue what might be considered "male-based" activities, like sports and math. If she was in a coed school, it's likely that she would be somewhat stuck in the traditional female role and might be less able to pursue her interests.
Worsened Behavior
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An additional disadvantage is the worsened behavior that coed schools sometimes create in students. This is especially evident in boys who often misbehave and act out in attempt to impress girls. In fact, one study (Target Study) showed that switching from a coed to single-sex structure reduced discipline referrals from 30 per day to two per day. As a result, this implies that the overall behavior of students is considerably better in a single-sex environment.
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References
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