The Next Big Idea Daily The Boys Are Not All Right
Feb 21, 2025
Richard Reeves, a scholar at the Brookings Institution and author of "Of Boys and Men," dives deep into the challenges facing boys and men today. He discusses the alarming academic gender gap and the need to redefine masculine identity for fostering equality. Reeves also highlights the socio-economic struggles, especially among black and working-class men, and criticizes the stagnant political dialogue on these issues. His insights spark a vital conversation about reforming representation and supporting fatherhood.
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Gender Gap in Education
- Boys and men are falling behind significantly in education, from pre-K to higher education.
- This educational gap is a global phenomenon, with fewer men earning degrees than women.
Racial Disparities within the Gender Gap
- The educational gender gap is even more pronounced for black and poor boys.
- Black women are twice as likely to have college degrees compared to black men.
Economic Downturn for Men
- Most men now earn less than men did in 1979, especially working-class and black men.
- This decline reflects a broader economic struggle for men beyond just educational disparities.
