“People warned me against writing a book about boys and men.” Richard Reeves explains the big problems facing men today – and why no one is talking about them.
"Are men and boys in crisis? In his book “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It”, Richard Reeves, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, explores several of the key challenges facing boys and men, including the friendship recession, the evolving nature of marriage, and the gender pay gap. To Reeves, these problems are generally structural, not individual, and the interventions tried so far haven't been very effective.
The friendship recession is particularly affecting men, with the percentage of men who report having no close friends showing a fivefold increase compared to the 1990s. This social isolation can lead to numerous mental health issues and negatively impact their overall well-being. Meanwhile, marriage patterns have also shifted, creating a growing class divide, with educated couples more likely to marry and stay together than their less-educated counterparts. This divide exacerbates economic and social inequalities.
Reeves argues that we ought to confront the crises facing boys and men in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. By addressing these challenges head-on, society can work toward a more equitable and inclusive future where both men and women can thrive."
0:00 Meet Richard Reeves
0:20 Part 1: The challenges facing boys and men
3:44 What is the education landscape like today for men and women?
8:37 How does brain development impact education?
12:46 Are boys more likely to be diagnosed with developmental disabilities?
16:59 What changes could we make to help boys in education?
18:52 Why do most men today earn less than men did 40 years ago?
22:58 Which occupations are the most gender segregated?
27:16 Which skills impact male employability?
28:50 How has fatherhood changed?
33:45 How is all of this affecting the well-being of men?
37:06 Part 2: The friendship recession
39:17 What was the traditional view of friendship?
40:47 What factors are getting in the way of people having more friends?
45:29 Why is it so hard to make friends as one gets older?
48:15 What are the negative impacts of not having friends?
50:15 Why is it beneficial to have diversity amongst your friends?
53:08 Part 3: The death of marriage
57:00 How has the concept of marriage in America changed?
1:03:12 Is marriage now more about love than necessity?
1:05:18 What is the future of marriage?
1:08:40 Part 4: The gender pay gap
1:13:24 Why is there still a pay gap for women?
1:18:36 Who else is affected by a pay gap?
1:21:14 Would you change anything about "Of Boys and Men"?
1:23:41 What do you hope to achieve with your book?
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