7. The Male Identity Crisis: Why young men are searching for meaning again
Apr 22, 2025
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John Tyson, a New York pastor and masculinity expert, joins Dr. Anthony Bradley, a professor whose research focuses on fatherhood and cultural identity, along with evangelist Glen Scrivener. They discuss the identity crisis many young men face today, influenced by societal pressures and online figures. The conversation highlights the church's potential role in providing guidance and mentorship. They also explore how fatherlessness and the appeal of traditional values are shaping men's search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Young men are increasingly drawn to faith communities as they search for stable identity and guidance amid changing societal norms.
The cultural backlash against traditional male identities indicates a significant divide between liberal and conservative viewpoints among young men.
Online platforms, while offering support, can perpetuate unhealthy expressions of masculinity due to the absence of positive role models in their lives.
Deep dives
The Backlash Against Masculinity
Controversial advertising campaigns, such as Gillette's focused on toxic masculinity and Bud Light's promotion with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, have sparked significant backlash from conservative men. These advertisements were seen as derogatory toward traditional male identities, provoking boycotts that negatively impacted sales for these brands. The outrage indicates a cultural tension where many men feel their roles and identities are being deconstructed by progressive ideologies. This situation exemplifies a broader crisis of male identity, where traditional male roles are being questioned and ridiculed.
The Rising Gender Divide
Recent studies have indicated a growing ideological divide between young men and women, particularly within the contexts of liberal and conservative political views. Women aged 18 to 29 are reported to be increasingly liberal, while more young men exhibit conservative tendencies, leading to a significant gap. This discrepancy is evident in various social issues, including marriage and fertility rates, as demonstrated by trends in South Korea. Such developments highlight the importance of addressing the communication barriers and differing viewpoints emerging between the genders in modern society.
The Isolation of Young Men
The current cultural landscape has exacerbated the mental health crisis among young men, with many reporting feelings of isolation and lack of support. This trend is reflected in statistics showing a decrease in young men having close friendships, alongside rising rates of mental health issues and loneliness. As many boys grow up without father figures, they miss out on crucial life lessons about masculinity and identity, often turning to online platforms for guidance. These platforms can provide support but also lead to unhealthy expressions of masculinity, particularly as young men face unprecedented societal changes.
Crisis in Masculinity and the Search for Solutions
The rise of discussions around 'toxic masculinity' has polarized opinions about masculinity itself, with many feeling unfairly labeled as toxic for simply being male. This creates resistance to discussing underlying issues that boys and men face, which are often dismissed as complaints from a privileged group. As a result, young men are seeking alternative voices and role models, sometimes turning to influencers promoting harmful ideologies. Addressing this crisis requires a nuanced understanding of maturity in masculinity and encouraging constructive dialogues around what it means to be a man today.
The Role of Faith and Community
In the context of the male identity crisis, many young men are expressing a renewed interest in faith, seeking a stable community and guidance that traditional structures may not provide. Christian leaders are noticing a growing number of young men turning to the church for direction, often as a response to their struggles with masculinity and identity. Churches can play an essential role by offering mentorship and frameworks that address the genuine needs of these men, helping them reconcile their search for identity with healthy expressions of masculinity. Providing these supports can lead to a revival of Christian faith among a demographic historically distanced from it.
In a world where masculinity is often branded 'toxic' and traditional gender roles are in flux, many young men are searching for identity. Some are looking to manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate. Others have been drawn to Jordan Peterson. But an increasing number are trying out church.
in the first of 2 documentary episodes, Justin Brierley traces the roots of the modern male identity crisis and the voices competing for their attention online. New York pastor Jon Tyson, Dr Anthony Bradley and evangelist Glen Scrivener outline the opportunity for Christian mentors to model examples of true masculinity to young men.
Justin also hears the surprising rebirth story of Anglican ordinand Oliver Murray.
