#855 - Richard Reeves - Why Do Modern Men Feel So Left Behind?

367 snips

Oct 24, 2024

Richard Reeves, a writer and founder of the American Institute for Boys & Men, delves into the modern struggles faced by men, including rising suicide rates and the need for tailored support. He discusses the evolving perceptions of masculinity and the stigma surrounding mental health, emphasizing the importance of feeling needed in society. Reeves also explores the isolation many men face post-divorce, the complexities of political representation, and systemic reforms required for working-class men. He advocates for a more nuanced discussion on these critical issues.

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ANECDOTE

Obama's Endorsement

Obama endorsed Richard Reeves' book, Of Boys and Men, in 2024.
This endorsement helped broaden the discussion around men's issues to new audiences.

INSIGHT

Navigating the Conversation

Discussing men's issues often requires careful framing to avoid being labeled misogynistic.
Reeves acknowledges the importance of recognizing women's struggles.

ADVICE

Persuasion Strategy

Acknowledge others' discomfort and be prepared to pay the entry price for persuasion.
Focus on facts and data.

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What's the matter with Kansas?

Slavoj Žižek

Mireya Hernández Pozuelo

Thomas Frank

In this book, Thomas Frank explores the transformation of Kansas from a state with a radical past to a stronghold of conservative politics. He argues that the culture wars have allowed the Republican Party to capture the populist language of social class, presenting themselves as the embodiment of working-class anti-elitism. Frank analyzes how conservatism, once associated with class privilege, became the creed of many ordinary Americans, particularly in Kansas, where workers and farmers support policies that often harm their own economic interests. The book critiques the role of the Democratic Party in neglecting its traditional support base, such as organized labor, and how this neglect has contributed to the rise of conservative politics[1][2][4].

Dream hoarders

How the American Upper Middle Class Is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust, Why That Is a Problem, and What to Do About It

Richard V. Reeves

In *Dream Hoarders*, Richard V. Reeves argues that the significant class divide in American society is not between the top 1% and the rest, but rather between the upper middle class (the top 20% of earners) and everyone else. He contends that this group engages in 'opportunity hoarding' through practices such as legacy admissions, zoning laws, and occupational licensing, which reduce social mobility for lower- and middle-class individuals. Reeves proposes several solutions, including ending legacy admissions and reforming tax policies, to promote a more equitable society. The book emphasizes the need for the upper middle class to recognize and address their role in perpetuating inequality[2][3][5].

Bad Men

The Hidden Roots of Sexual Deception, Harassment and Assault

David Buss

Bad Men explores the deep and pervasive nature of sexual conflict, revealing the hidden roots of sexual deception, harassment, and assault. The book, written from an evolutionary perspective, explains how thousands of years of evolutionary adaptations have shaped the mating behaviors of heterosexual couples. David Buss cites numerous studies to support his conclusions and emphasizes the importance of awareness of these evolutionary motivations to consciously correct harmful behaviors, particularly those by men against women and girls.

The Two-Parent Privilege

Melissa Kearney

In this book, Melissa S. Kearney presents a provocative case for the economic benefits of marriage, highlighting how the decline of marriage has exacerbated economic and social inequalities in the US. Based on over a decade of economic research, Kearney argues that households with two married parents offer significant economic and non-economic benefits to both the parents and their children, particularly in terms of financial stability, educational outcomes, and social mobility. She emphasizes that the decline in marriage is more pronounced among lower socioeconomic groups, leading to a 'two-parent privilege' that advantages children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Kearney also discusses the underlying causes of the marriage decline, including changes in male wages and female labor market participation, and suggests policy implications to address these issues.

The Noonday Demon

An Atlas of Depression

Andrew Solomon

The Noonday Demon is a memoir and a thorough examination of depression. Andrew Solomon draws on his own struggles with the illness, as well as interviews with fellow sufferers, doctors, scientists, policymakers, and philosophers. The book delves into the complexities and agony of depression, discusses various treatments and medications, and explores the moral and ethical questions surrounding biological explanations for mental illness. It also covers historical, social, biological, and medical aspects of depression, making it a rich and absorbing work that contributes significantly to our understanding of mental illness and the human condition.

Of Boys and Men

Richard V. Reeves

In 'Of Boys and Men,' Richard V. Reeves delves into the complex and urgent crisis of boyhood and manhood. He discusses how profound economic and social changes have led to many boys and men losing ground in education, the workplace, and family life. Reeves presents detailed research on the structural challenges, including lower academic performance, declining labor force participation, and the specific hardships faced by black boys and men. He argues that both conservative and progressive politicians have failed to provide effective solutions and offers fresh, innovative proposals such as delaying boys' entry into school, increasing male teachers, and improving vocational education. The book emphasizes the need for a positive vision of masculinity in a more equal world without compromising gender equality[3][4][5].