The Masculinity Debate Is A Huge Mess - Richard Reeves
In a Nutshell
Richard Reeves highlights surging political momentum for boys and men—governors' initiatives, congressional bills for men's health, and a post-2024 election Democratic pivot—marking a shift from taboo to mainstream policymaking, with goals to institutionalize efforts like Virginia's proposed commission. Men's rights activists resist wins due to grievance identities, while cultural vacuums fuel manosphere extremes like looksmaxing; young men crave good-faith messaging of "We need you" emphasizing service, fatherhood, and constructed purpose over victimhood or toxicity. Data counters pessimism: dads' parenting has doubled, young men desire marriage/kids (68% want marriage, 62% fatherhood), reject Tate, and prioritize sacrifice, amid fertility delays from economic shifts but hopeful relational trends.
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When we last spoke, there was no political space for discussing boys and men. Awareness has increased that things aren't great with boys and men, but previously it was difficult to act, especially on the center left. Previously, getting people, especially on the political left, to acknowledge (A) it's a problem, (B) we can talk about it, and (C) we can do something was challenging. That has changed.
Governors launching serious initiatives: Governor Newsom (California), Governor Whitmer (Michigan), Governor Wes Moore (Maryland), Governor Spencer Cox (Utah) promoting boys and men. Two bills just introduced to Congress: one for a men's health strategy and office, another the Men Matter bill for men's mental health after fatherhood. Many state-level initiatives. No longer shouting into the wilderness or banging head against a brick wall, especially with Democrats.
Politics played a role: until November 2024 election, frustration with Democrats; post-election, inbox filled with Democrats realizing they lost men, especially young men, badly. Many mentioned Democrats (Newsom, Whitmer, Moore) are potential presidential candidates who realize they can't win without young men.
Doesn't blame politicians for doing politics. Men's rights critics dismiss Governor Newsom's initiative as political pandering to win back young men votes. Newsom's actions: signed executive order for comprehensive plans on boys and men in K-12 education, employment, mental health; launched male service challenge for 10,000 more men into service, mentoring, coaching; push for more men into teaching as male role models.
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