Read the full opinion paper: Young Men in Crisis
Australia is experiencing a new crisis, this one affecting many young men. While some young men are doing well, many are not. This has an impact on the whole of society. This paper will look at the nature of the crisis affecting our young men, how it looks on the ground, and the root causes of the crisis, before concluding with policy recommendations.
On the ground, the crisis among some young men works itself out in the way they turn to role models and influencers who support their sense that they are outsiders in their own society. These young men grow more nihilistic in outlook and turn to a performative style of masculinity as they see their economic and social prospects diminish. What are some of the foundational problems that are driving young men into this state of mind and style of life?
Summary
This opinion paper outlines three areas where young men are struggling: education, the economy, and society.
- EDUCATION
The education system, whether at school or university, is arguably geared more towards girls and women than boys and men. This is counter to official commitments to equity. Despite many boys achieving outstanding results at school, the fact is that, statistically speaking, boys can quickly fall behind in our schools and then tend to stay behind. At university, men make up roughly 40% of graduates, meaning that young men are behind young women in this key indicator of future wealth and earning potential. - ECONOMY
In the area of economic life, young men are increasingly on the margins of our economy, are lacking opportunity, and feel a lack of hope about their economic prospects. The economy is restructuring such that sectors where men previously found employment are shrinking, whereas the largest share of the economy is female-dominated. Further, young men are earning less in comparison to young women. In short, young men are working less, learning less, and earning less. Consequently, many see grim prospects for economic opportunity. - SOCIETY
The educational and economic outcomes for young men have an impact on their social lives. They feel they are second-class citizens and are often told their masculinity is a problem. Young men are increasingly despairing of finding a life partner, due to deteriorating economic and social status. This leads to young men having fewer children with their partners. Further, they look at the ever-decreasing likelihood of owning a home and see possibilities of financial independence disappear along with their prospects of family formation.
This emerging crisis has major ramifications for Australian society. It will create social dislocation as fewer young men pursue marriage and family formation. It will create economic problems, as more young men, who should be a major part of our future economy, disengage. And it will create political and cultural problems as young men seek ways to express their masculinity through political reaction. The good news is that there are steps policymakers can take. Read the full paper for more.
This paper is an opinion piece and reflects the views of the author.
