RICHARD REEVES: The Struggles of the Modern American Male
Jun 17, 2024
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Richard V. Reeves discusses the struggles of modern American males, exploring topics such as opportunity hoarding, challenges faced by young men, and the influence of social norms on behavior. He advocates for practical solutions and policies to support boys and men, emphasizing the importance of positive cultural narratives around marriage and fatherhood.
High suicide rates among men due to mental health struggles, surpassing middle-aged men.
Gender inequalities in education, with girls outperforming boys in literacy skills, emphasizing the need for serious attention.
Deep dives
Significant Impact of Mental Health Challenges on Young Men
Men face a significant risk of mental health struggles leading to high suicide rates. The rise in suicide rates among young men in the US has surpassed middle-aged men. Each year, approximately 40,000 men die from suicide, equivalent to the number of women dying from breast cancer. Moreover, there are substantial challenges in healthcare, including high rates of drug overdoses among men.
Educational Disparities: Declining Male Enrollment and Achievement Gap
The educational landscape reflects declining male college enrollment and a widening achievement gap favoring girls. Girls outperform boys in literacy, with boys lagging almost a grade behind in literacy skills. The disparity continues through K-12 education, emphasizing the need to address gender inequalities in education more seriously.
Marriage and Fatherhood Dynamics in Modern Society
Discussions highlight the changing dynamics of marriage and fatherhood in contemporary society. The impact of economic changes, cultural shifts, and family structures on male roles and responsibilities is significant. The decline in marriage rates and increasing father absence present challenges in defining mature male success and creating supportive fatherhood programs.
Advocating for Gender Equality Through Engaged Fatherhood Programs
Efforts are directed towards promoting engaged fatherhood programs as a way to support men and enhance family dynamics. The focus is on investing in fatherhood initiatives, such as paid leave for fathers and fair child support arrangements. By emphasizing the importance of fathers in children's lives, policy discussions aim to create more opportunities and support for men as vital contributors to family well-being.
Richard V. Reeves is the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men. He's also the author of the acclaimed book Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It. He joins me to discuss the problems facing today's American men, and why he thinks "keep it boring" is the right strategy.