Nurture Gaps: What Science Reveals About Raising Boys in a Changing World
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.