A growing body of research reshapes how Thai parents and educators view boys’ development. Findings highlighted in The Atlantic’s piece on parents of boys show that social norms and expectations — not biology — largely shape boys’ education, emotional health, and long-term success. This matters in Thailand, where evolving gender roles meet traditional values and national education debates.
Historically, many believed boys are naturally less verbal, less emotionally tuned, and more prone to behavioral issues. New studies, however, indicate these patterns arise from how adults interact with boys from infancy. Research cited in The Atlantic suggests the nurture gap begins early, with adults often speaking less and offering fewer emotionally rich interactions to baby boys than to girls.
This early difference in nurture can influence later outcomes, from reading proficiency to mental well-being. A landmark study in Child Development tracked parent-child verbal exchanges and found adults used roughly 8,000 more words per day with girls than boys in the early years. Such disparities may contribute to boys’ reading challenges and school disengagement, a concern echoed by Thai education researchers working with the Ministry of Education.
A Thai child psychologist from a leading Bangkok university notes that these findings align with local observations. Parents frequently encourage rough play and independence in boys while emphasizing empathy and communication in girls. “This isn’t merely a Western pattern; similar biases exist in Thai families and classrooms,” the expert says.
Implications for Thailand are clear. Despite progress, gender stereotypes continue to shape classroom management, teacher expectations, and curriculum design. Data from Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission show boys face harsher disciplinary practices, while girls consistently outperform boys in language subjects. The regional education directorate highlights that when boys are expected to “be tough” and hide their feelings, they risk emotional under-support, which can lead to academic or behavioral challenges later on.
In Thai culture, the concept of phu chai — embodying stoicism and leadership — still influences schools and homes. Teachers in major outlets report that boys are more often allowed to interrupt or be physically active, while girls are praised for quietness and obedience. Yet global and local research suggests today’s economy rewards collaboration, creativity, and emotional intelligence — areas where boys may not receive sufficient encouragement.
If left unaddressed, the nurture gap could widen Thailand’s educational divide. The World Bank’s most recent gender and education assessment shows Thai girls now outpace boys in university entrance rates, with boys at higher risk of dropping out, substance use, and contact with the justice system. Yet the evidence also points to solutions: when adults engage boys in emotionally supportive conversations and model empathy, gaps shrink. Studies from Swedish preschools found that teacher training to interact with boys and girls equally improved boys’ academic and social outcomes.
Thai readers and parents can adopt practical steps. Treat boys with the same emotional responsiveness offered to girls. Promote play that encourages emotional expression and storytelling, not just competition. Schools should review discipline policies to ensure behavior and academic expectations are gender-neutral. Local education offices in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are piloting teacher-training programs with NGOs to embed these insights, with encouraging early results.
Reflecting on the Thai proverb “เด็กชายห้ามร้องไห้” (boys must not cry), a reform-minded Buddhist teacher in Isan notes that real strength comes from understanding and expressing emotions. Universities in Thailand are beginning to weave emotional intelligence and social skills into teacher training, aligning with global and local evidence that soft skills are essential for long-term success.
Looking ahead, narrowing the nurture gap could yield a healthier, better-educated generation of boys in Thailand. Families can start now by dedicating time to talk, listen, and help boys name and share feelings. By supporting holistic development for all children, Thailand can stay competitive in a changing global landscape.
For readers seeking more, local-child development resources emphasize nurturing practices that support boys’ literacy and social-emotional growth, with guidance from national agencies and reputable non-governmental organizations.