Young Men Are In Trouble: A Call for Attention
It is time we acknowledge a pressing issue: young men are facing significant challenges that demand our attention. A generation of boys is falling behind in various aspects of life—academically, socially, and economically—in a rapidly changing world that often feels overwhelming. This reality struck me profoundly last weekend when I came across a report by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) that highlighted the daunting challenges young men encounter, from their formative years in education to the competitive landscape of the workplace. The findings paint a concerning portrait of what some are calling a lost generation.
Initially, I didn’t fully recognize the extent of this change. However, it has become increasingly evident, with symptoms surfacing daily in headlines and in conversations with friends close to me. The CSJ’s research reveals that boys are lagging behind in school, grappling with mental health issues, and being lured into the darker realms of the internet, where misogyny and radicalization often flourish. Alarmingly, when it comes to employment, young men are now more likely to be unemployed than their female counterparts.
The Educational Divide
The educational journey for boys often begins on a disadvantageous note. On average, they score half a grade lower than girls across all GCSE subjects. This disparity only widens by the time they reach A-levels, where they are outperformed by over a grade and a half in their best three subjects. This trend is alarming and indicative of deeper systemic issues.
Unemployment Rates and Economic Challenges
Furthermore, the landscape of employment for young men has shifted dramatically. The number of 16- to 24-year-olds who are neither in education, work, nor training has surged by 40 percent since the pandemic, while the figure for women has only increased by 7 percent. Traditional male-dominated industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, which once formed the backbone of our economy, now contribute merely 16 percent to GDP, a stark decline from over 40 percent in 1970. Although overall unemployment rates remain low, secure and well-paying job opportunities for young men without university degrees are vanishing.
The Impact of Fatherlessness
The CSJ highlights a troubling epidemic of fatherlessness in the UK, with 2.5 million children growing up without a father figure. This absence has a profound effect on mental health, and it is striking that boys are more likely to possess a smartphone than to have a father at home. As someone who has enjoyed a close relationship with my father, I can only imagine the challenges I would have faced without his guidance and support over the years.
The Role of Social Media
In addition to familial structures, social media plays a significant role in shaping the lives of young men. Many are influenced by algorithms that promote misogynistic content, extremist ideologies, and distorted notions of masculinity. The pervasive access to pornography has altered teenage boys’ understanding of sex and relationships, with the average child encountering such material by age 13.
Sam Fender’s poignant lyrics from “Seventeen Going Under” resonate deeply: “That’s the thing with anger, it begs to stick around, so it can fleece you of your beauty and leave you spent with nowt to offer.” His music captures the essence of a generation of young men grappling with anger, disconnection, and a sense of being left behind in a world that seems to have moved on without them.
The Dangers of Ignoring the Crisis
If we allow young men to fall through the cracks of society, we risk fostering a future where resentment breeds, misogyny flourishes, and women are left to cope with the consequences. The data is stark: young men are increasingly drawn to right-wing, traditionalist ideologies, while their female counterparts are leaning toward more progressive views. This widening divide between genders plays directly into the hands of figures like Andrew Tate and the far right, who thrive on an “us versus them” mentality, suggesting that one group must excel at the expense of the other.
However, it is crucial to remember that feminism did not advance by tearing down men, and aiding men in their struggles does not equate to hindering women’s progress. Elevating one group should never involve suppressing another.
Addressing the Issues Head-On
To halt this downward spiral, we must confront some uncomfortable truths. Patriarchy has not only failed women; it has also failed men. It once provided them with a free pass in a system that guaranteed their place, but now, as the world evolves, that assurance has diminished.
So, what can we do? The first step is to listen. We need to take these issues seriously and understand that addressing them benefits everyone. It is essential to tackle the failures within our education system and dismantle the toxic cycles that lead men toward extremism.
This effort requires the promotion of role models like Sam Fender, who speaks to working-class boys about themes of anger, masculinity, and hope. Yet, it’s not only about high-profile figures; men at all levels must step up to listen, mentor, and guide younger individuals who are struggling. They should demonstrate that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a mark of strength. By offering support and breaking the silence surrounding these issues, they can cultivate a culture where vulnerability is accepted and help-seeking is encouraged.
More than ever, we must reevaluate how our educational institutions function and how boys are socialized within them. Not every boy wants to fit the mold of the “tough guy”; we need to redefine masculinity in its most authentic form.
And for women? As mothers, sisters, and partners, we must approach this challenge with open minds and compassionate hearts. Women have fought tirelessly for change and made significant strides. Now is the time for society to confront the pressing issues that young men face—not because we owe it to them, but because a stronger generation of men contributes to a more robust society overall.
