My initial reaction to the news that girls are now being allowed to join the Boy Scouts was similar to that of others, I questioned why that would be at all necessary given that the Girl Scouts of America exist. However, after taking the time to inquire as to why girls would want to join Boy Scouts, it becomes much more understandable.

  The matter is not one simply of principle, but rather one relating to the actual content. The Boy Scouts national board chairman, Randall Stephenson stated that he believes no other organization develops “leadership and discipline” like the Boy Scouts of America, and it should be available to girls.

  Similarly, the domestic principles of the Girl Scouts are not necessarily for everyone. According to CBS News, some girls such as 16-year-old Sydney Ireland; who has been unofficially involved with her brother’s troop since she was four, would rather engage in the activities provided by the Boy Scouts than the Girl Scouts.  A study conducted by Gender & Society, a journal about gender studies, discovered that Boy Scouts are turned away from artistic activities and Girl Scouts are turned away from science related pursuits.

  One concern that parents may have about the co-ed Boy Scouts would be the sleeping situation if they were to go camping. This concern is not necessary because the Cub Scout dens will be segregated by gender, and the packs that already exist can choose to create new packs for girls or just become a co-ed pack.

  All things considered, girls being given the opportunity to participate in the Boy Scouts will harm no one and benefit those girls who do not quite fit society’s typical expectations. Hopefully, in time boys will be given the same opportunity to enter the Girl Scouts and promote a more androgynous society.