Boys and men are struggling. Profound economic and social changes of recent decades have many losing ground in the classroom, the workplace, and in the family. While the lives of women have changed, the lives of many men have remained the same or even worsened. Our attitudes, our institutions, and our laws have failed to keep up. Conservative and progressive politicians, mired in their own ideological warfare, fail to provide thoughtful solutions.

Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It by Richard V. Reeves is a comprehensive exploration of the contemporary challenges faced by boys and men in the Western world, particularly in the United States. The book delves into educational, economic, and social issues, offering insights into how these challenges impact male well-being and societal structure.

Summary

Reeves begins by outlining the “male malaise” – a term he uses to describe the growing disparity between the opportunities and successes of males compared to females. He notes that boys are increasingly falling behind in educational attainment, with girls outperforming them in most academic disciplines. This gap is particularly pronounced among boys from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. In higher education, women now earn more bachelor’s degrees, with the gender gap in graduation rates being wider than it was fifty years ago but reversed.

Economically, Reeves points out the decline in traditional male-dominated industries like manufacturing, which has left many men without secure employment. Real wages for men have stagnated or fallen since the 1970s, while women’s wages have generally improved. This economic shift has led to a decrease in labour force participation for men, contributing to what Reeves calls “deaths of despair” – an increase in suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related deaths among men, especially those from less educated or lower-income brackets.

Reeves also tackles the social aspect, discussing how modern masculinity is in flux. He argues that the traditional roles of men as breadwinners have eroded without clear new roles emerging, leading to identity crises among men. He explores the cultural narrative around masculinity, noting how both conservative and progressive views often fail to address or understand the nuanced needs and challenges of men today.

In terms of solutions, Reeves proposes several policy and cultural shifts:

• Redshirting Boys: Starting boys in school a year later than girls to account for developmental differences, potentially improving academic outcomes.
• Recruitment into HEAL Professions: Encouraging men to enter fields like health, education, administration, and literacy, where there is a labour shortage and where men are underrepresented.
• Support for Fatherhood: Redefining fatherhood to focus more on nurturing roles rather than just financial provision, including legal reforms to better support joint custody.

Quotes from the Author

1. “We can hold two thoughts in our head at once. We can be passionate about women’s rights and compassionate toward vulnerable boys and men.” – This quote encapsulates Reeves’ call for a balanced approach to gender issues, advocating for the recognition of male struggles without diminishing the importance of women’s rights.
2. “The male malaise is not the result of a mass psychological breakdown, but of deep structural challenges.” – Here, Reeves emphasises that the issues facing men are systemic and require structural changes rather than individual adjustments.

Reviews

• From The Guardian: A review by Andrew Anthony describes the book as “A thoughtful analysis of alarming evidence of a male malaise that avoids the culture wars, arguing for structural and societal change.” He praises Reeves for his nuanced approach, which avoids the pitfalls of the culture war, focusing instead on evidence-based solutions.
• From Amazon: An Amazon review by a user states, “I picked up this book after listening to Ezra Klein interview the author, Richard Reeves, on Ezra’s podcast. It was inspiring, one of the most enlightening interviews I’ve ever heard, filled with eye-opening information. Of Boys and Men contains immensely important information about the deteriorating position of men and boys.
• From New York Times: “A landmark, one of the most important books of the year” – David Brooks.

In conclusion, Of Boys and Men by Richard V. Reeves is both a diagnosis of the challenges facing contemporary men and a prescription for societal change. It provides a balanced, data-driven argument for why these issues should matter to everyone, regardless of gender, and offers practical solutions to foster a society where men can thrive alongside women.

The father of three sons, a journalist, and a Brookings Institution scholar, Richard V. Reeves has spent twenty-five years worrying about boys both at home and work. His new book, Of Boys and Men, tackles the complex and urgent crisis of boyhood and manhood. Reeves looks at the structural challenges that face boys and men and offers fresh and innovative solutions that turn the page on the corrosive narrative that plagues this issue. Of Boys and Men argues that helping the other half of society does not mean giving up on the ideal of gender equality.

___

Republished with thanks to A Sense of Place.