This article examines recent claims by Jeffrey Smith that: (1) "hegemonic masculinity" is an expression of working class counter-school culture; (2) some teachers are "cultural accomplices" in constructing "hegemonic masculinities" of anti-school working class boys, thereby contributing to their underachievement; and (3) these "cultural accomplices" are an emerging response to recent moral panics and neo-liberal managerialism concerned with "failing boys" at school. It is suggested that "hegemonic masculinity" is not necessarily associated with anti-school values in working class culture. Many working class boys might subscribe to "hegemonic masculinity" without rejecting learning. Contrary to Smith's emphasis on how working class culture generates anti-school "hegemonic masculinity", there is the possibility that "hegemonic masculinity" is fused with anti-school values produced by organisational differentiation. The continuing commonalities between working class anti-school boys and the "gender regime" of some secondary schools for over 20 years implies something more enduring at work than recent moral panics.