Male inequality, explained by an expert | Richard Reeves

Summary

Richard Reeves, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, discusses the challenges faced by boys and men in modern society in his book 'Of Boys and Men.' He highlights the gender disparity in education, with girls outperforming boys, and the underrepresentation of men in growing job sectors. Reeves calls for policy changes, such as later school starting age for boys, more male teachers, and increased vocational training to address these issues and prevent a vicious cycle of male disadvantage.

Takeaways

• 📚 The education system is currently facing a 'dearth of male teachers', which can impact boys' flourishing in school.
• 👨‍💼 There's a 'dad deficit' or 'father listeners' issue in families, with fewer men present, affecting the development of boys.
• 🚶‍♂️ Men are missing from crucial areas of society and economy, creating a harder path for other men and boys to follow.
• 🏆 Despite progress in gender equality, there's a real danger of a vicious cycle if action isn't taken to address the struggles of boys and men.
• 👧 Girls are outperforming boys in education on almost every measure, leaving boys behind.
• 🎓 The gender gap in college enrollment and completion has reversed since 1972, now favoring women by a wider margin.
• 🧠 Brain development differences between boys and girls, particularly in adolescence, may put boys at a disadvantage in an education system that rewards certain behaviors.
• 🤔 The societal shift towards gender equality has inadvertently highlighted disadvantages for boys and men in the current educational structure.
• 👦 Encouraging boys to start school later and increasing the number of male teachers are suggested measures to address educational disparities.
• 🛠️ Investment in vocational education and training is recommended as a way to help more boys and men succeed in areas where they traditionally excel.
• 💔 The 'deaths of despair' among men, including from suicide and substance abuse, are significantly higher than among women, indicating a broader societal issue.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by Richard Reeves regarding the societal perception of discussing issues related to boys and men?

Richard Reeves expresses concern that discussing issues related to boys and men is seen as a fraught subject, especially in politics. He mentions that there is a fear that focusing on the problems of boys and men could imply less effort being paid to girls and women, framing the issue as a zero-sum game where one must choose a side rather than supporting human flourishing as a whole.

How does the absence of men in certain areas of society and economy impact other men and boys, according to Reeves?

Reeves suggests that the absence of men in crucial areas such as education, labor market, and family life makes it harder for other men and boys to flourish. For instance, a lack of male teachers can negatively affect boys' education, and a 'dad deficit' can hinder the development of boys in families.

What is the term used by Richard Reeves to describe the growing phenomenon of men being less present in family life?

Richard Reeves uses the term 'dad deficit' to describe the growing phenomenon of men being less present in family life, which he sees as a significant issue affecting the development of boys.

How has the educational landscape changed in terms of gender disparity, as mentioned by Reeves?

Reeves points out that girls and women have not only caught up to boys and men in education but have surpassed them. He notes that girls are now almost a grade level ahead of boys in English and have caught up in math, with a significant percentage of the top GPA scores belonging to girls and a higher percentage of college degrees being earned by women.

What is the significance of the prefrontal cortex in the context of educational performance, as discussed by Reeves?

The prefrontal cortex, often referred to as the 'CEO of the brain,' is significant in educational performance as it is responsible for decision-making and prioritizing tasks such as doing homework and maintaining a high GPA. Reeves notes that this part of the brain develops earlier in girls than in boys, which may give girls an advantage in an education system that rewards these behaviors.

What are some of the policy recommendations made by Richard Reeves to address the challenges faced by boys and men in education?

Reeves recommends starting boys a year later than girls in school due to the developmental gap, increasing the number of male teachers to provide role models, and investing more in vocational education and training as these areas tend to yield better results for boys and men.

How does Reeves describe the economic trends for men, particularly those lower down the economic ladder?

Reeves describes a downward turn in economic trends for men, especially those lower down the economic ladder. He mentions a drop in wages, a decrease in labor force participation, a decline in occupational stature, and a reduction in the acquisition of skills and education.

What is the term 'HEAL jobs' as used by Richard Reeves, and why is it significant in the context of gender-segregated employment?

The term 'HEAL jobs' stands for 'health, education, administration, and literacy.' Reeves uses it to describe a growing sector of jobs that are becoming increasingly gender-segregated, with a significant drop in the number of male workers in these fields, which he sees as problematic due to the lack of diversity.

What does Richard Reeves refer to as the 'dad deficit,' and how does it impact children, particularly boys?

The 'dad deficit' refers to the phenomenon where fathers are not living with their children or losing contact after separation. Reeves argues that this has a significant impact on children, especially boys, who suffer more in the absence of a father figure, potentially leading to intergenerational disadvantage.

What are the 'deaths of despair' as mentioned by Reeves, and how are they related to the challenges faced by men?

The 'deaths of despair' refer to deaths caused by suicide, overdose, or alcohol, which are three times higher among men than among women. Reeves suggests that these are symptoms of a broader malaise affecting men, particularly those who feel unneeded or worthless in society.

How does Richard Reeves link the opioid crisis to the broader issues affecting men and boys?

Reeves links the opioid crisis to the broader issues affecting men and boys by suggesting that the higher death rates from opioids among men are partly due to the users being isolated and withdrawn. He sees this as a symptom of the loss of role in the family, loss of status in the labor market, and a broader male malaise.