I know the thread has veered away from the question of why boys go to college far less than girls these days, but I have a theory I want to throw out. I think part of the problem is the changing face of education in the lower grades.
Kids today are expected to master subjects in kindergarten that, in the past, were not even started until 1st grade. In place of free play and recess, they spend extra hours drilling phonics and math facts. Even softer subjects that appeal to curious and creative minds like social studies and science have been moved out of the lower grades to make more room for phonics and repetitive math. Kids have less gym and are required to sit still at their desks longer. I think these changes are terrible for everyone, but probably disadvantage boys far more than girls. In general, very young girls simply adapt to this regimen better than most boys. Boys eventually catch up, but by that time, they have endured years of tedium as well as constant reprimands about their behavior. They may be tracked onto slower educational paths because the schools are no longer well suited to their learning styles. It can’t be good for their self esteem or love of school.
If you spend any time talking to veteran elementary school teachers, you hear an almost unanimous loathing of these changes.