The American Compass Podcast Our Manhood Crisis with Amber Lapp
Apr 4, 2025
Amber Lapp, a research fellow and stay-at-home mom, shares her insights from working-class communities in Ohio. She discusses the crisis facing American men, shedding light on issues like job loss and rising divorce rates. Through personal stories from her neighbors, she highlights the importance of community connections in combating loneliness and despair. Lapp emphasizes the resilience of men navigating challenges, cultural shifts, and the complexities of modern masculinity, while advocating for a supportive environment to foster healthier relationships.
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Research Journey
- Amber and her husband David initially planned a summer project in 2010, interviewing working-class young adults in Ohio about family formation.
- This project evolved into a long-term research effort after they encountered stories of trauma, addiction, and suffering, prompting their move to Ohio in 2012.
Value of Community
- Building relationships within a community provides a valuable perspective that short-term interviews cannot capture. Even simple neighborly interactions build trust over time.
Focus on Understanding
- Amber Lapp's piece aims to foster understanding of the struggles faced by men, moving beyond statistics. She wants to explore sources of hope and potential pathways forward.
