Many boys and men are facing challenges in fulfilling their roles as sons, students, employees, and fathers, and in finding a sense of purpose rooted in marriages, communities, churches, and country.
Most of the research on the boy crisis highlights the significant social science findings that clearly show boys and men are lagging behind. “Men Without Meaning: The Harmful Effects of Expressive Individualism,” an essay I recently wrote, aims to summarize this research and delve into how expressive individualism, which champions radical autonomy of the inner self, is a major factor in the boy crisis.
The rise of expressive individualism, dating back to the Sexual Revolution, has played a role in the erosion of marriage and has permeated religious institutions. Influenced by figures like Simone de Beauvoir, Sigmund Freud, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, this ideology disconnects sex from gender, elevates human sexuality as a core aspect of identity, and portrays man as inherently innocent, corrupted by society.
The impact of father absence is a key driver of the boy crisis. A father’s presence positively influences a child’s academic performance, cognitive abilities, and emotional development. Conversely, the absence of a father figure increases the likelihood of negative outcomes such as academic failure, substance abuse, poverty, and involvement in criminal activities.
Fathers play a unique and vital role in raising children, contributing in ways that are distinct from mothers. For instance, through play, fathers help children learn boundaries, develop physically, and channel their aggression. Research suggests that children require stimulation and motivation, often provided through physical play, primarily by men.
For boys, the absence of a father figure is particularly detrimental as they learn masculinity and virtue through active role-modeling. Despite the benefits of embodied play, the influence of expressive individualism has led many to downplay the importance of distinct parental roles and view fathers and mothers as interchangeable.
Expressive individualism has also reshaped perceptions of marriage, emphasizing personal fulfillment over mutual sacrifice for the well-being of the relationship. Marriages today prioritize individual happiness rather than shared growth and character development.
Christina Hoff Sommers, in her book The War Against Boys: How Misguided Policies are Harming Our Young Men, identified various factors contributing to boys’ academic decline, including zero tolerance policies, reduced playtime, and a safety-focused culture. The education system, not tailored to the needs of boys, poses challenges with its structure and expectations.
Boys’ natural high energy levels and delayed brain development in areas like impulse control can lead to behavioral issues in school settings. The progressive educational approach, advocated by figures like John Dewey, which emphasizes children’s autonomy in learning, has disadvantaged boys over the years.
Changes in the economy, driven by globalization and automation, have disproportionately affected less-educated men. This shift has led to declining wages and increased challenges in the labor market for men without higher education qualifications.
Additionally, the prevalence of screen time and exposure to online pornography among disengaged men has contributed to the erosion of relationships and family structures. The opioid epidemic and rising incarceration rates further limit employment opportunities for men, exacerbating economic and social issues.
The interconnected challenges faced by boys and men in America underscore the complex nature of the crisis and the urgent need for holistic solutions.
Some experts suggest that the rising deaths of despair, such as suicides and overdoses, among middle-aged Americans with lower levels of education, could be due to a long-term decline in job opportunities for this demographic. Shockingly, suicide is the second leading cause of death for men under 45 in the United States. The lack of purpose and hope has left many men struggling to find their way.
This crisis not only affects men but also contributes to a larger societal issue in America and the Western world. This crisis is partly driven by individualism, which has led people to be disconnected from relationships, human nature, and truth. The society seems to be running out of the values that once held it together, making it challenging to articulate principles and show gratitude for the past. Throughout history, people have found identity and purpose in concepts like God, family, and country. These beliefs encourage individuals to look beyond themselves, promoting sacrifice, responsibility, and devotion. However, modern individualism promotes self-definition and freedom from societal expectations, which contrasts with traditional views that link freedom and virtue.
Addressing the boy crisis requires challenging prevailing ideas and promoting a view of marriage, religious institutions, fatherhood, and mentorship as essential aspects of life. By emphasizing the importance of these values, we can restore a better understanding of human nature and the connection between happiness and virtue. While there is no easy fix to these complex issues, efforts to address them must match the severity of the problems we face.
