The world is changing fast, but not everyone is keeping up. While many women are doing well in education and work, a growing number of boys and men are struggling. Fewer men are going to college, fewer are working, and many feel lost. In schools, homes, and workplaces, you can already see the difference. Some jobs that once had many men are disappearing. Families are changing too, and more fathers are absent. This isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about noticing real problems and thinking about what needs to change. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone who cares about the future, it’s worth looking at how things are going for boys and men.
Boys Fall Behind in School Earlier Than You Think
In schools across the world, girls are ahead of boys in almost every subject. On average, girls are nearly one year ahead in reading and writing. And boys used to do better in math, but now girls have caught up. Two-thirds of top students are girls, while two-thirds of the lowest-scoring students are boys. One big reason is brain development. Girls’ brains mature faster than boys’—especially in areas that help with focus and long-term thinking. That makes it easier for girls to stay on task, complete homework, and plan for college. Boys often struggle to do the same at the same age. So when schools reward early planning and focus, girls have the advantage. If boys start school at the same age as girls, they’re often not ready. Some experts say boys should start school a year later so they can catch up developmentally.
Fewer Men Are Becoming Teachers and Role Models
One major issue in schools is the lack of male teachers. Only about 1 in 4 teachers in U.S. schools are men, and that number is going down. This matters because many boys benefit from male role models. When there are no male teachers, some boys feel less connected or less understood. Also, schools may handle behaviour differently depending on whether it’s a boy or a girl, which can lead to more boys being disciplined or falling behind. If you want to help boys succeed in school, then it’s important to have more men in the classroom. That way, boys can see that education is for them too. It can also help break the idea that school is only a place for girls to do well. More male teachers can make schools feel more balanced and fair for everyone.
Job Markets Are Moving Away from Men
Many jobs that once supported men and their families are disappearing. Factories are closing, and physical jobs are fewer. Meanwhile, jobs in healthcare, education, and administration are growing. But most of these jobs are filled by women. Only about 1 in 4 workers in these fields are men—and that number is falling. Unlike the push to get more women into tech jobs, no one is pushing men to take jobs in nursing, teaching, or social care. This leaves many men out of work, even though these jobs are hiring. We need more balance. Men can be great teachers, nurses, or therapists—but many don’t even consider these jobs. If we want more boys and men to succeed, we need to support them in trying new kinds of work, even in jobs that have been mostly done by women.
More Fathers Are Missing from Family Life
Family life has changed a lot, but not all men have kept up. Today, 1 in 4 dads don’t live with their children. If parents split up, many kids—especially boys—see less of their fathers. And boys without fathers at home often face more trouble in school and in life. This creates a cycle. A boy without a dad grows up, struggles in school, finds it hard to get a good job, and then might not be involved in his own child’s life. And the pattern continues. We need to rethink what being a father means. In the past, a “good father” was someone who earned money. But now that many women earn more, dads need to show up in other ways—like spending time, helping at home, and supporting their kids emotionally. That’s how families grow stronger and boys get the support they need.
Working-Class Men Are Being Left Behind
Not all men are struggling—but those who are often come from working-class or poor backgrounds. In the last 50 years, wages for many men have dropped. Fewer men are working at all. Nine million working-age men in the U.S. don’t have a job. Some have stopped looking. And many jobs that used to be respected are now seen as lower status. At the same time, fewer men are learning new skills or going to college. If you don’t have skills or training, it’s harder to get hired. All of this hits working-class men the hardest. So while some people are doing well—like those with college degrees—a lot of others are stuck. If you only look at gender, it might seem like women are still behind. But if you look at class, race, and income, the full picture shows that many men—especially from lower-income groups—are losing ground.
Mental Health and Loneliness Are Growing Issues
With fewer jobs and less family support, many men are feeling more alone. And that loneliness is turning into a crisis. Suicide rates for men are three times higher than for women. More men are dying from drug overdoses and alcohol abuse. These are called “deaths of despair,” and they’re rising fast—especially for younger and middle-aged men. Many of these men feel useless or unwanted. When people feel they have no purpose, they suffer deeply. That’s why it’s so important to give boys and men a reason to feel needed—at school, at work, and at home. Mental health support is also crucial, especially for those who feel isolated. While everyone needs connection, purpose, and care, many men are missing those basic things. It’s not about weakness—it’s about being human.
Education Alone Won’t Fix Everything
The education system today is focused mostly on academic learning—grades, tests, and college. But not everyone learns best that way. Many boys do better when they can use their hands, solve problems, or see the practical side of learning. That’s where vocational education can help. These are programs that teach skills like carpentry, mechanics, computer work, or healthcare support. Right now, there’s not enough money going into these programs. The U.S. has focused too much on college degrees and too little on other paths to success. If you want boys and men to do well, then vocational education needs more support. It can lead to real jobs, better pay, and more confidence. Not every student wants or needs a four-year degree. Offering more options means giving more young people a chance to build a life that works for them—on their own terms.
Moving Forward Together
The idea isn’t to focus only on boys and men or to ignore the progress of women and girls. It’s about making sure no one is left behind. Problems for men in school, work, and family life won’t fix themselves. You need to pay attention, ask hard questions, and be open to new ideas. The goal is not to go back to the old ways but to help everyone—men and women—build better lives in today’s world. That includes thinking about what work looks like, what families need, and how education can meet different needs. It also means having honest conversations about mental health, purpose, and what it means to be needed. Whether you’re someone who’s doing well or someone who’s struggling, these changes affect everyone. And just like in the best non GamStop casinos where fairness matters, the real goal here is balance—for all.