Episode 61: Are Males in Crisis

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, 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 issues but solutions from our two very thoughtful, knowledgeable and engaging guests.

Guests:

Richard V. Reeves

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 is a contributor 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.

Rep. Mary Dye

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 member of the House Environment and Energy Committee, Representative Dye prioritizes protection of affordable and reliable energy, improving environmental and water quality and outdoor recreation. She is also working 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 that would create a Washington state commission on boys and men. The would address well-being, including educational achievement, suicide, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction and 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 populations, men in poverty, and BIPOC populations would all find an advantage to having such a commission.

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

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2023/01/13/the-case-for-a-commission-on-boys-and-men-will-washington-state-lead-the-way/

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