Nature Magazine reposted this
Are boys in ‘crisis’ — and is the manosphere playing a part? My new feature for Nature Magazine looks at data on boys and young men, including education, health and attitudes. And it asks whether talk of a male crisis risks fueling hostility towards, or sidelining, women and girls. https://lnkd.in/eJGhkXuA The data and interviews suggest that: - Globally, more boys than girls are out of school; young men are less likely to attend higher education. - Injuries — from road accidents, violence, self-harm — are strikingly higher for male adolescents. More boys than girls die by suicide. - Mental health disorders are a large and growing problem for boys and girls. - Stereotypical ideas of masculinity are common e.g. that men must be tough, self-sufficient, financial providers and in control in relationships. In one survey, 63% of young men said they regularly engaged with a masculinity or men influencer. But research on the manosphere and its impact is still limited. It’s uncomfortable & controversial to talk about ‘boys in crisis’ in the face of entrenched and worsening discrimination against girls and women. Many things are worse for adolescent girls. The message I heard was: it's important to understand the challenges that all young people are facing. Many thanks to the researchers & experts who spoke to me about this important topic – one that I was particularly interested to report on as the mum of three boys.