ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the ways in which girls and boys behave toward each other in primary schools. It examines the nature of status amongst girls and boys and the ‘qualities’ that provided status within each institution. The chapter examines intra-group rivalry and the ways in which individuals competed against each other. Over the last decade, research has indicated that teachers have rated girls more highly for good, ‘conformist’ behaviour. Physical aggression appeared to be a respected quality within the peer group and the teaching staff accorded it a fair degree of tolerance: Well, what can people expect in an area like this. Disruption was invariably initiated by the boys, this disruption for a time halts further work advancement and the girls reacted by expressing resentment against the boys. Most of the children revealed considerable diligence in their written work through all the age levels of the school.
