Big Think

Why men and boys are struggling | Richard Reeves

Sep 28, 2025
Richard Reeves, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of 'Of Boys and Men', dives into the silent struggles facing boys and men today. He discusses the friendship recession, revealing that men increasingly report having no close friends, leading to serious mental health concerns. Reeves also examines changing marriage dynamics, highlighting a growing class divide and the impact of rising educational achievements among women. He calls for a thoughtful approach to tackle these systemic issues and foster a supportive environment for all.
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INSIGHT

Problems Are Structural Not Personal

  • Richard Reeves finds most problems facing boys and men are structural, not individual.
  • He argues solutions must focus on education, labor market, and family structures rather than blaming boys.
INSIGHT

Women Overtook Men In Education

  • Girls now outperform boys across many educational measures including GPA and college completion.
  • Reeves warns this rapid overtaking was unexpected and demands male-specific policies on campuses.
INSIGHT

Adolescent Brain Timing Matters

  • Timing of brain development favors girls, especially in adolescence, affecting classroom success.
  • Reeves links earlier prefrontal cortex maturity to girls' advantage in tasks like homework and GPA.
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