Home > Education > Primary School > Primary School (Other)
Girls have better handwriting than boys
Results so far:
| True | 72% | 241 votes | Total: 336 votes | |
| False | 28% | 95 votes |
True
by Marissa Toof
Created on: November 06, 2010
There are many commonly held beliefs in our society about the differences between boys and girls. For example, there is a general consensus that boys are better at math and science than girls. It is often believed that girls are better listeners than boys and boys are better athletes than girls. Of course it would be ridiculous to call these beliefs absolute truths; that they are always accurate. Certainly there are and will always be exceptions to these “rules.” There will always be a girl that is good at math and science, a boy that is an exceptional listener, and a female star athlete. However, one of these generalities seems to be correct more often than not. This particular “rule” is regarding handwriting.
It is very common to see beautiful handwriting and to realize that it is the handwriting of a female, rather than that of a male. In fact, it is much less common to see that same handwriting coming from a boy; so much so, that when that same stunning handwriting comes from a male, it is quite surprising; almost unbelievable. I am all of twenty-six years and I have only run across a few males that have impressed me with their gorgeous penmanship. In regards to the few examples of exquisite male handwriting that I have seen, I have questioned in disbelief whether or not those men actually had written the articles in question.
In general, I guess it is fair to say that girls usually have better handwriting than boys; however, there are some males that have equally beautiful, sometimes even better penmanship than girls. The question is “why?” I believe it is because society places a very large emphasis on females to be beautiful in everything they do. Girls are taught that it is important to be pretty in every way possible, including their handwriting. Looks are less emphasized to boys; they are taught to do the work right and concern themselves less with how it looks. Society also allows boys to have less than great handwriting simply because they are boys. In general, girls are expected to take their time and make something look good and boys are taught to finish fast and get the job done.
In conclusion, I believe that in general, girls do have better handwriting than boys, but that societal pressures are the reason. It has nothing to do with the abilities of males or females but the way that they are socialized. It is also clear that handwriting is not the only area where boys and girls are treated differently. As I have already mentioned, the areas of math and science, listening, and athletics are also taught to children based on sex. So until society changes the norms that males and females are taught, we can expect to continue seeing only the occasional dazzling penmanship from boys and rare mathematical genius from girls.
Learn more about this author, Marissa Toof.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
False
by Chanell Gautreaux
Created on: July 30, 2010
The idea that all girls have better handwriting than do boys is most definitely a false one. As someone who has struggled repeatedly to decipher the writings of both male and female students from lower and middle school classes, I can say with certainty that good penmanship has nothing whatsoever to do with gender.
There are plenty of boys (and men for that matter) in the world who have beautiful and impressive handwriting just as there are plenty of girls (and women) who have abysmal, illegible handwriting. This is the case because somewhere along the line those with good handwriting took the time to carefully practice their penmanship.
These practitioners of graceful inscription sat creating curlicue after curlicue getting the letters just so until they were thoroughly pleased with their efforts. Some may not have even been conscious of their labors; they may have just been scribbling away the way one doodles absently when they have nothing better (or more interesting) to do until their handwriting improved seemingly on its own.
Once upon a time all students were expected to practice their handwriting both in and out of school, and in some instances, they were even forced to do so. (I was kept in at recess in the fifth grade.) Of course, forcing a child to sit and labor painstakingly over their script is not the best way to inspire him or her to go from “scribble-scratch” to mastery.
The development of good handwriting is not unlike having the ability to draw. It takes practiced skill to hold a pencil steady and deliberately create lines that are solid, straight and do not wiggle on a page. The same holds true for shaping letters.
Proper posture of the hand (how a writing instrument is held) is a key factor in how the handwriting of a student will ultimately develop, as is good physical (hand-eye) coordination. Without these two things children are not likely to comfortably hold a pencil or pen and guide it across a page in a legible script.
It is a big deal in a young child’s life once he or she begins to master writing in cursive. It is an accomplishment of which they are very proud and love to show off to others. All children, (except those with physical challenges) if properly encouraged, can achieve good handwriting and experience that boost to their self-esteem that fosters excellence.
Learn more about this author, Chanell Gautreaux.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills
Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all
INFORMATION
Copyright © 2002-2012 Helium, Inc. All rights reserved.
Helium.com: A Service of RR Donnelley