Episode Summary:
In this two-part episode, we explore where the modern male finds himself. We review data demonstrating a trend of increasing gaps in educational achievement, increasing rates of male suicide, and addictions, the preponderance of males in the homeless population, and the decline in males participating in key careers.
We also hear about a Washington State bill to create a commission on boys and men and why it’s important and potentially unique.
If you’re unsure if men are indeed in crisis, or are already familiar with some of the issues, listen as we explore, learn and hear not only the problems but solutions from our two very thoughtful, knowledgeable, and engaging guests.
Guests:
Richard V. Reeves is a senior fellow in Economic Studies, The Brookings Institute, where he holds the John C. and Nancy D. Whitehead Chair and leads the Boys and Men Project. His research focuses on boys and men, inequality, and social mobility.
Richard’s publications for Brookings include his latest book, Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It (2022), and 2017’s Dream Hoarders: How the American Upper Middle Class Is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust, Why That Is a Problem, and What to Do about It. He contributes to The Atlantic, National Affairs, Democracy Journal, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Richard is also the author of John Stuart Mill – Victorian Firebrand, an intellectual biography of the British liberal philosopher and politician.
First appointed to the House of Representatives in 2015, Representative Mary Dye is a Republican from the Eastern Washington community of Pomeroy. She is serving her fifth term, representing the 9th Legislative District. As a ranking House Environment and Energy Committee member, Representative Dye prioritizes affordable and reliable energy protection, improving environmental and water quality and outdoor recreation. She also works to improve irrigation infrastructure to ensure irrigated farms are climate resilient. Representative Dye graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Leadership program and holds a B.S. in Crop Management from the University of Idaho. She and her husband farm dryland wheat in Garfield County. Get more information from her website: www.RepresentativeMaryDye.com
During This Episode, We Discuss:
The background data and trends supporting the issues are reviewed in an enlightened discussion with Brookings Scholar Richard Reeves
Learn from a Washington State Legislator, Rep. Mary Dye, about her efforts to sponsor a bill to create a Washington state commission on boys and men. They would address well-being, including educational achievement, suicide, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, overdose, and incarceration.
Those that feel this bill is serving a population that has already been privileged are looking through a narrow lens. These interviews demonstrate why vulnerable people, men in poverty, and BIPOC populations would all find an advantage in having such a commission.
Quotes (Tweetables):
We have seen wage stagnation in males
Richard Reeves
⅔ of the lowest (high school) GPAs are boys
Richard Reeves
Men are less likely to get mental health treatment…. We are seeing so few men in caring professions (social work, psychology, education)
Richard Reeves
Within six years of parents separating, 1 in 3 boys will never see their dad again.
Richard Reeves
Children whose father is absent from the home are almost 279% more likely to carry guns and deal drugs. Where are these kids losing hope and losing a strong male mentor in their life? These are questions we want the commission to ask. Why are these things happening, and how can we do a better job
Rep. Mary Dye
Addictions and homelessness are issues we are not addressing correctly as a culture and are not addressing root causes…
Rep. Mary Dye
Recommended Resources:
Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters and What to Do About It By Richard V Reeves
How Toxic is Masculinity by Zoe Heller, Books, The New Yorker August 8, 2022 Issue
Men Need Purpose More Than ‘Respect’ Opinion by David French, The New York Times, Feb. 12, 2023
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1270.pdf?q=20230116070700
Soulhealfilm.com. A film by Jose Enrique Pardo
Equality for Boys and Men – Advancing empathy and equality
https://equalityforboysandmen.org
Episode Transcript:
Coming soon!
