In being a parent of two boys and having taught for six years, I can't help but have the opinion that social engineering has a lot to do with the present state of literacy among boys. Boys are more "active" and would rather run in circles, as opposed to draw them. Boys are
not inherently anti-reading, though boys possessing that attitude is achieved through forcing a boring curriculum down their throats, not to mention unfriendly teaching methods(i.e.-passive, rote learning, not having male elementary teachers, etc)There are some interesting changes that are being made curriculum wise to tackle the issue of boys and reading. From single-sex classrooms to a revamped reading list,
changes are being made. I don't believe this is the answer entirely, as social class and education level are also important factors, but in seeing what kids read for middle school curriculum, I can't help but notice it's everything but boy friendly reading material interest wise. A "lack of engagement" was also
cited as a factor, which goes to show further, that reading curriculums and the present teaching methodologies being used, are a part of the problem. Possible solutions listed here among others, can be found at the International Reader's Association website which has an interesting
page dedicated to this topic.