Fatherlessness and the Neglect of Men’s Issues: Key Takeaways

The discussion highlights a significant societal crisis: the impact of fatherlessness and the increasing neglect of issues facing men and boys, particularly from the political left.

The Impact of Fatherlessness

Growing up without a biological father is a strong predictor of negative outcomes for boys. Statistics show that boys raised apart from their biological fathers are about twice as likely to be incarcerated by age 30. This makes fatherlessness a more significant predictor of incarceration than race or poverty. Furthermore, young men in the US are more likely to end up in prison or jail than to graduate from college if they are raised in any non-intact family setup. Children in intact families, regardless of income, are also about half as likely to be diagnosed with depression. This points to a serious crisis that demands creating conditions for young people to be good parents and raise healthy children.

The Left's Blind Spot Regarding Men's Issues

Historically, the focus has been on achieving equality for women, who were long treated as second-class citizens. This push for women's rights, including equal opportunities in various professions and control over their own bodies, is seen as a positive development. However, this focus has inadvertently led to a neglect of issues facing men.

A striking example of this shift is the gender gap in higher education. Currently, there are two women for every one man completing a four-year college degree, a gap larger than when Title IX was introduced 50 years ago to address disparities in the opposite direction.

Richard Reeves, from the American Institute for Boys and Men Policy, highlights several concerning trends:

• Suicide Rates: Suicide rates among men under 30 have risen by 40% since 2010 and are four times higher than among young women. Male suicides account for as many deaths as breast cancer.
• Educational and Economic Disparities: Men are less likely than women to go to college or buy a home. Young white men from lower-income homes are worse off than their fathers on almost every economic and social indicator.
• Social Vulnerabilities: Men are more likely to experience loneliness and are more vulnerable to addiction.
• Political Disengagement: There is no strong evidence that young men are against gender equality, but they have turned away from the left because the left has turned away from them.

Reeves argues that the problems of young men are not "confections of reactionaries" but rather a story of "elite neglect." He criticizes the Democratic party and progressive institutions for having a "massive blind spot" when it comes to male issues. Examples include:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Biden administration has not acknowledged the gender disparity in suicide rates.
• The White House Gender Policy Council has not addressed a single issue primarily facing boys and men.
• There are initiatives to promote women in STEM and construction, but nothing to encourage men into teaching or to address men's health.
• There are women's health research initiatives, but no dedicated office for men's health.

This neglect leads to a perception that men are not seen as having problems, but rather "being the problem."

The Need for a Balanced Approach

While acknowledging the progress made in women's equality, there's a growing sentiment that men are feeling overlooked. The world has changed significantly from 50 or 60 years ago when men were predominantly breadwinners, bosses, and held most positions of power. While achieving greater equality for women is positive, it's crucial to also address the challenges faced by young men.

The question arises whether the left has provided a positive vision for men. Some argue that the Republican appeal to young men, while potentially "dangerous" and leading to an "insecure masculinity" that requires the domination of others, highlights a vacuum that the left has failed to fill. There is a recognized need to pay more attention to these issues and ensure that young men also have the opportunities they deserve.