Modern Wisdom #614 - Nicholas Eberstadt - Why Do Millions of Men Not Want to Work?
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Apr 13, 2023 Nicholas Eberstadt, a political economist and scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, unpacks the troubling trend of over 7 million prime-age men in the U.S. opting out of the workforce. He discusses the socio-economic reasons behind this phenomenon, including mental health implications and the pressure of modern masculinity. Eberstadt reveals how these men often substitute work with extensive screen time and reliance on disability benefits, and he examines the societal impact of their disengagement, challenging conventional narratives around unemployment.
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The 7 Million
- Over 7 million prime-age men in America are not looking for work.
- This group is diverse but overrepresents African Americans, the unmarried, and the native-born.
The Great Male Flight
- Male workforce participation has declined steadily since 1965.
- This trend has been remarkably consistent, even during economic fluctuations.
Beyond Economics
- Common explanations for male unemployment (like economic change) don't fully explain the issue.
- The current labor shortage further challenges these explanations, suggesting values play a role.
