Of Boys and Men by Richard V. Reeves

In an era where gender roles are rapidly evolving and traditional notions of masculinity are being challenged, Richard V. Reeves’ “Of Boys and Men” arrives as a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges facing males in contemporary society. As a father of three sons and a scholar at the Brookings Institution, Reeves brings both personal insight and academic rigor to this pressing issue. His work stands out as a balanced, data-driven analysis that avoids the pitfalls of both misogynistic backlash and dismissive progressive rhetoric.

Unpacking the Male Predicament

Reeves paints a sobering picture of the state of boys and men in the Western world, particularly in the United States. From education to employment to mental health, males are struggling in ways that demand our attention:

• Boys are 50% more likely than girls to fail at all three key school subjects: math, reading, and science
• In the US, wages for most men are lower today than in 1979, while women’s wages have risen across the board
• Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK

These statistics serve as a wake-up call, challenging us to reconsider our assumptions about gender and success in the 21st century.

Education: A System Stacked Against Boys?

One of the book’s most compelling arguments centers on the education system. Reeves posits that the current structure puts boys at a disadvantage, not due to any inherent lack of ability, but because of differences in developmental timing. He writes, “The gender bias in the education system was harder to see when girls were discouraged from pursuing higher education or careers and steered toward domestic roles instead.”

Reeves’ proposed solution is both simple and radical: start boys in school a year later than girls. This “redshirting” approach aims to address the developmental gap between boys and girls, potentially leveling the playing field. While this idea may raise eyebrows, Reeves backs it up with compelling research and thoughtful analysis.

The Changing Landscape of Work

In the realm of employment, Reeves highlights how economic shifts have disproportionately affected traditionally male-dominated industries. He argues that the decline of manufacturing and the rise of service-oriented jobs have left many men struggling to find their place in the new economy.

Reeves proposes a fascinating solution: encouraging more men to enter what he calls “HEAL” professions (Health, Education, Administration, and Literacy). This suggestion not only addresses male unemployment but also challenges gender stereotypes in caring professions.

Fatherhood Reimagined

Perhaps the most poignant section of the book deals with fatherhood. Reeves argues that the role of fathers has been hollowed out, leaving many men feeling dislocated and unsure of their place in family life. He writes, “Fatherhood is a fundamental social institution, one that shapes mature masculinity more than any other.”

His call for a reimagining of fatherhood outside the traditional nuclear family context is both progressive and pragmatic. Reeves envisions a world where fathers can be deeply involved in their children’s lives, regardless of their relationship status with the mother.

Strengths and Weaknesses

What Shines

• Data-driven approach: Reeves grounds his arguments in solid research, making his case compelling and hard to dismiss.
• Balanced perspective: The author manages to address male issues without falling into anti-feminist rhetoric, a rare feat in this contentious area.
• Practical solutions: Rather than just outlining problems, Reeves offers concrete, if sometimes controversial, solutions.
• Intersectionality: The book doesn’t treat all men as a monolith, acknowledging how race and class intersect with gender issues.

Room for Improvement

• Western-centric view: While Reeves acknowledges this limitation, the book’s focus on the US and UK may limit its global applicability.
• Potential oversimplification: Some of Reeves’ proposed solutions, like delaying school entry for boys, may oversimplify complex issues.
• Limited exploration of LGBTQ+ perspectives: The book could benefit from a more in-depth discussion of how these issues affect non-binary and transgender individuals.
• Occasional academic tone: While generally accessible, some sections may be dense for the average reader.

In the Context of Gender Literature

“Of Boys and Men” stands out in the crowded field of gender studies literature. Unlike works that focus solely on women’s issues or those that react defensively to feminism, Reeves charts a middle path. He acknowledges the gains made by the women’s movement while arguing that true gender equality requires addressing the unique challenges faced by boys and men.

The book can be seen as a spiritual successor to works like “The End of Men” by Hanna Rosin, but with a more solutions-oriented approach. It also serves as a counterpoint to more polemical works on masculinity, offering a nuanced, research-based perspective.

A Call to Action

Reeves doesn’t just diagnose problems; he issues a call to action. He challenges policymakers, educators, and parents to rethink our approach to raising and supporting boys and men. His vision is one where masculinity is not toxic or outdated, but adaptable and positive.

“We need, as I said in the introduction, a positive vision of masculinity for a postfeminist world,” Reeves writes. This sentiment encapsulates the book’s core message: that addressing male issues is not about turning back the clock, but about moving forward together.

Final Thoughts

“Of Boys and Men” is a crucial addition to the conversation on gender in the 21st century. Reeves has produced a work that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply humane. While not without its flaws, the book offers a roadmap for addressing male struggles without undermining the gains of feminism.

As our society continues to grapple with changing gender norms, Reeves’ work serves as a reminder that true equality means supporting all genders in their unique challenges. It’s a book that should be read not just by policymakers and academics, but by anyone interested in creating a more equitable world for all.

Who Should Read This Book

• Educators and policymakers looking for new perspectives on gender issues in education
• Parents of boys seeking to understand the challenges their sons may face
• Anyone interested in the evolving nature of masculinity and gender roles
• Sociologists and psychologists studying gender dynamics
• Advocates for gender equality looking for a balanced perspective on male issues

While not perfect, “Of Boys and Men” is an important, timely, and well-researched contribution to the ongoing dialogue about gender in our society. Reeves’ willingness to tackle controversial topics with nuance and his focus on practical solutions make this a valuable read for anyone concerned about the future of boys and men.

In the Author’s Words

“The problem with feminism, as a liberation movement, is not that it has ‘gone too far.’ It is that it has not gone far enough. Women’s lives have been recast. Men’s lives have not.”

This quote encapsulates Reeves’ central argument: that true gender equality requires a reimagining of masculinity, not just femininity. It’s a powerful call to action that resonates throughout the book.

Similar Reads

For those interested in exploring this topic further, consider:

• “The End of Men” by Hanna Rosin
• “The Boy Crisis” by Warren Farrell and John Gray
• “The War Against Boys” by Christina Hoff Sommers
• “Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man” by Susan Faludi

A Personal Note

As I closed the final pages of “Of Boys and Men,” I found myself reflecting on my own experiences as a man in today’s world. Reeves’ work challenged some of my preconceptions and reinforced others. It’s not often that a book on such a contentious topic manages to be both provocative and balanced, but Reeves has achieved just that.

Whether you agree with all of his conclusions or not, “Of Boys and Men” is sure to spark important conversations. And in a world where the roles of men are rapidly changing, these are conversations we desperately need to have.