Mathematics Makes you Feel Attractive. Empowering New Alternative Masculinities in the Context of Mathematics Classrooms

Abstract

This article studies the relationship between masculinity construction in school and mathematics learning in boys. For this purpose, we introduce the variables of social interaction and the differentiation between the language of ethics and the language of desire. The methodology used is a literature review, drawing on discourse analysis as a methodology to identify the relevant themes emerging from the studies analysed. We found several issues that seem to negatively condition mathematics learning in boys that have to do with specific gender identity construction, namely the development of Dominant Traditional Masculinities. Moreover, this negative behavior towards mathematics learning is enhanced by the social attraction towards violence. However, the literature also contains elements that respond to a different model of masculinity that can be successful in mathematics learning and attractive at the same time, which is related to the New Alternative Masculinities model. We conclude with some recommendations to support this new model of attractiveness and masculinity in order to rethink research in mathematics achievement in children in the future in the light of the implications of these different models of masculinity.