A boy problem on college campuses

Description:

For decades, women have increasingly outnumbered men in higher education and the problem is getting worse. Men—generally speaking—prefer to work rather than go to school. Yet more traditional, blue-collar jobs now require advanced degrees.

In this episode, Naomi and Ian are joined by Kay Hymowitz, the William E. Simon Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal. Kay explains how this trend has not been considered problematic because society is used to thinking about furthering the progress of girls in higher education. She outlines how “degree inflation” is turning into a big problem for young men. To encourage more boys to stay in school and get the skills they need, she suggests that K-12 education should provide career pathways for those not wanting to attend college, and that they build in more time for recess.

Resources:

Dr. Biden’s lesson | Kay Hymowitz | City Journal

A Generation of American Men Give Up on College: ‘I Just Feel Lost’ | Douglas Belkin | The Wall Street Journal

Higher education just isn’t built for men right now | Naomi Schaefer Riley | Deseret News

Show Notes:

• 02:20 | Since 1980, women have moved ahead of men in higher education enrollment

• 06:25 | What are the men doing if they are not in school?

• 08:30 | Traditional blue collar jobs are now requiring four-year degrees

• 12:55 | What can be done in K-12 education?

• 16:20 | Going to college is now synonymous with middle-class life

• 20:35 | What will the impact be on future family structure?