Why Men Are Struggling and What to Do About It

About this episode:

Richard Reeves addresses the growing crisis facing boys and men in modern society. He argues that economic and social changes have left many men struggling in education, work, and family life, while institutions and laws have failed to adapt. Reeves criticizes both conservative and progressive politicians for their inability to provide effective solutions.

He also highlights that while women still face disadvantages in areas like leadership, men—especially those from minority or low-income backgrounds—are falling behind in other aspects of life. He emphasizes that addressing these issues doesn’t undermine gender equality; rather, it’s possible to support both men and women simultaneously.

Specifically, Shermer and Reeves discuss the gender gap in higher education, which has reversed since 1972, with men now earning only 42 percent of degrees. They also explore why boys are lagging in English and discuss higher suicide rates and premature deaths in men, as well as the lower employment rates for Black men and societal preferences for daughters.