Why the political worldviews of young men and women are increasingly diverging | DW Analysis

DW News2 minutes read

Young men globally face challenges like education disparities, overdose rates, and differing political views compared to women, with gender equality driving conservative shifts. Experts like Richard Reeves suggest deeper issues at play beyond influencers like Andrew Tate, emphasizing the need for structural analysis and support for men and boys in education and employment.

Insights

  • Gender equality is a significant factor in the conservative shift among young men, who support the concept but are turning against feminism, perceiving them as separate ideas.
  • The crisis of masculinity is multifaceted, influenced by societal changes, evolving gender roles, and struggles to adapt. Education, employment, and mental health disparities impact men globally, with an intersectional approach crucial to understanding the amplified gender gaps for black men and boys.

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Recent questions

  • How are young men globally impacted compared to young women?

    Young men globally are facing challenges such as lower education levels, higher rates of overdose, drinking, suicide, and differing political views compared to young women. These challenges contribute to a growing gender divide, with young women being more progressive on gender and racial issues. Despite supporting gender equality, young men are turning against feminism, perceiving them as separate concepts. This highlights the complex issues young men are grappling with in various aspects of their lives.

  • Who are some experts studying the problems faced by boys and men?

    Prominent experts studying the problems faced by boys and men include Richard Reeves, Alis Evans, and Neil Shimsky. These experts delve into the education disparities between boys and girls globally, with girls typically outperforming boys. They also address the struggles young men face in areas such as employment, housing affordability, and economic status, which impact their mental health and self-worth. By examining these issues, these experts shed light on the multifaceted challenges young men are encountering.

  • What factors contribute to the crisis of masculinity?

    The crisis of masculinity is linked to societal changes, gender equality movements, and men's struggle to adapt to evolving roles and expectations. Structural barriers like poverty and neighborhood factors also play a significant role in the disparities faced by black Americans, emphasizing the importance of an intersectional approach. Men's struggles extend beyond education to employment, housing affordability, and economic status, impacting their mental health and self-worth. These factors collectively contribute to the crisis of masculinity and the challenges young men are navigating in today's society.

  • How does toxic masculinity hinder conversations on gender issues?

    Toxic masculinity is viewed as rigidity and intolerance to difference, with the term itself sometimes hindering productive conversations on gender issues. Despite the negative connotations associated with toxic masculinity, it is essential to address these harmful behaviors and attitudes to foster healthier relationships and societal norms. By recognizing and challenging toxic masculinity, individuals can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all genders.

  • What strategies can be implemented to support boys and men in education and employment?

    To address the struggles faced by boys and men in education and employment, implementing technical training apprenticeships and technical high schools can be beneficial. Additionally, policymakers should consider starting boys in school a year later due to their delayed maturity in adolescence. By providing equal support for both women and girls while addressing the specific needs of boys and men, these strategies aim to create a more balanced and supportive educational and employment environment for all individuals.

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Summary

00:00

"Challenges Facing Young Men in Modern Society"

  • Young men globally are facing challenges such as lower education levels, higher rates of overdose, drinking, suicide, and differing political views compared to young women.
  • Gender equality is suggested as a key factor driving the conservative shift among young men.
  • Misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate are believed to radicalize young men, but experts suggest deeper issues are at play.
  • Experts Richard Reeves, Alis Evans, and Neil Shimsky are prominent figures studying the problems faced by boys and men.
  • Studies reveal a growing gender divide, with young women more progressive on gender and racial issues compared to young men.
  • Young men support gender equality but are turning against feminism, perceiving them as separate concepts.
  • Education disparities between boys and girls are evident globally, with girls typically maturing earlier and outperforming boys.
  • Men's struggles extend beyond education to employment, housing affordability, and economic status, impacting their mental health and self-worth.
  • Male suicide rates are alarming, with men often feeling useless and lacking purpose, contributing to their mental health challenges.
  • The crisis of masculinity is linked to societal changes, gender equality movements, and men's struggle to adapt to evolving roles and expectations.

15:55

Gender gaps and structural barriers in education.

  • Gender gaps in the US are more pronounced in education and employment for working-class men, with a particular issue for black men.
  • Gender gaps between black boys and girls, men and women are roughly twice those of other racial groups, emphasizing the importance of an intersectional approach.
  • The political shift towards focusing on structural disadvantages over individual responsibility is significant, acknowledging both are crucial.
  • Structural barriers, like poverty and neighborhood factors, contribute to disparities faced by black Americans, rather than individual actions.
  • The women's movement has evolved to address structural issues like childcare and career structures, moving beyond individual-focused approaches.
  • Examining the structure of education is crucial to understanding why boys struggle in the classroom, emphasizing the need for structural analysis.
  • Educated, wealthy men are more likely to support feminism, as they have achieved status and are less threatened by women's gains.
  • Men from poorer communities, who hold traditional views on male roles, are least likely to fulfill the provider role, creating a tragic paradox.
  • Patriarchy is rooted in status beliefs, where men may feel dominance over women despite economic circumstances, leading to intense competition.
  • Toxic masculinity is viewed as rigidity and intolerance to difference, with the term itself sometimes hindering productive conversations on gender issues.

32:39

Boosting Economic Growth and Regulating Algorithms

  • Consider implementing technical training apprenticeships and technical high schools, particularly beneficial for boys. Additionally, policymakers should contemplate starting boys in school a year later due to their delayed maturity in adolescence, aiming to address issues affecting boys and men while ensuring equal support for women and girls.
  • To address economic stagnation, focus on boosting economic growth for job creation and improving mobility perceptions. The EU should explore regulating algorithms to counter the distorted views they create, acknowledging the common structural drivers of economic stagnation, corporate algorithms, and cultural entrepreneurship in culturally liberal countries.
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