The growing crisis among young men in Western societies is becoming increasingly evident. Declining economic and social standing, disengagement from education and the workforce, and broader societal consequences are shaping a generation at risk. Professor Scott Galloway, a renowned author, business professor, and public commentator, has extensively analysed this issue, highlighting alarming trends and their far-reaching implications.
Galloway argues that young men are facing unprecedented challenges, with workforce participation at historic lows, wages stagnant for decades, and an increasing number retreating into digital escapism. He describes this phenomenon as a “lost generation” that is not only struggling financially but also experiencing profound social disconnection. Moreover, he links these issues to broader political and cultural shifts, including changes in relationship dynamics and the rise of populist movements appealing to disaffected young males.
As a white male and a parent of two Caucasian pre-teen boys (who also have part-Indian heritage), this alarming trend resonates with me. In particular, I’m determined to understand what I can do as a parent to guide my children away from this fate.
A Rapid Decline
Professor Scott Galloway highlights an alarming trend: the percentage of young men aged 20 to 24 who are neither in school nor working has tripled since 1980 (Galloway, 2024). Workforce participation among men has dipped below 90%, and median hourly wages are lower in real terms than they were in 1970 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Young American men face a growing crisis of underemployment and social disconnection. While rising college costs impact everyone, male college enrolment has declined from 47% to 42% since 2011. Once-reliable pathways to the middle class, such as manufacturing jobs, have largely moved overseas. Housing affordability is a major challenge, with nearly 60% of men aged 18 to 24 living with their parents and 1 in 5 still doing so at 30. Many feel trapped—isolated, struggling with mental health, and unengaged in meaningful work. This stagnation contributes to rising rates of obesity, substance abuse, and suicide, while also making some vulnerable to harmful ideologies. As a result, they struggle to build stable relationships, careers, and roles in society.
This demographic is falling behind in almost every meaningful metric of success.
The Role of Testosterone and Social Disengagement
A key biological and psychological factor in male behavior is testosterone. Young men, driven by this hormone, have traditionally found structure and purpose in work, relationships, and community engagement. However, as fewer of them succeed in these areas, they often turn to alternative outlets—video games, vaping, social media outrage, and, in some extreme cases, destructive ideologies (Galloway, 2024). Without external stabilising forces like a career or a committed relationship, some young men spiral into unproductive or even antisocial behavior.
The Political and Social Fallout
This shift is not just an economic crisis but a social and political one. Families are deeply affected, particularly parents who witness their sons becoming increasingly isolated, unmotivated, and retreating into digital escapism instead of striving for traditional markers of success.
The 2024 U.S. presidential election reflected this crisis, as struggling young men gravitated toward populist rhetoric. Trump’s campaign recognized and capitalized on their frustration, adopting language and cultural touchpoints that resonated with them—crypto, Joe Rogan, UFC, and even Hulk Hogan (Galloway, 2024).
Data from the election showed that Trump gained 15% more support from young men, marking the biggest shift from Democrats to Republicans of any age group. Another significant shift was among women aged 45 to 64. Galloway noted, “I believe those are the mothers of struggling young men. America elected President T; the ‘T’ stands for testosterone. The election was supposed to be a referendum on women’s rights. It was instead a referendum on failing young men.”
A Mating Crisis and Its Consequences
Another critical consequence of this decline is what Galloway refers to as a “mating crisis.” Traditionally, women date and marry across or up the socioeconomic ladder, while men date across or down. As the pool of eligible, financially stable men shrinks, many women find fewer suitable partners. This leads to a cycle where struggling young men become even more alienated and disconnected from traditional relationship dynamics, further exacerbating their disengagement from society.
What Can Be Done?
I’m not smart enough or experienced enough to solve this problem for an entire generation. But what I do know is that instilling certain behaviors and values in our children now can potentially support them when they hit the inevitable roadblocks of adolescence.
- Take Responsibility and Adapt: White males have historically held a position of privilege for centuries. With the progress of gender and racial equality, they are now experiencing challenges that are a fraction of what others have long faced. Instead of playing the victim, they should embrace this shift, take ownership of their future, and actively work toward a fulfilling and productive life. Teach children never to fall back on a victim mentality.
- Choose Positive Role Models: Many struggling young men gravitate toward figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Andrew Tate, who promote divisive and often toxic ideals. Rather than idolising individuals who reinforce resentment and exclusion, they should seek role models who encourage resilience, growth, and meaningful contributions to society.
- Address Digital Addiction: Excessive screen time and addiction to virtual entertainment must be tackled through public awareness campaigns and parental guidance. As parents, we over-regulate what our kids do offline but under-regulate what they do online. Ban children from using social media and restrict what they watch on YouTube.
- Encourage Real-World Social Interactions: Push kids to spend time outdoors, roam the streets, and entertain themselves in the real world. Encourage participation in sports, clubs, and local organisations to build social skills and real-life experiences.
- Mental Health Support: Encourage boys and young men to discuss mental health and express their emotions. Make more accessible mental health services, including counselling and male-focused outreach programs, can help struggling young men navigate challenges.
- Cultural Shift in Masculinity: A positive reframing of modern masculinity—one that embraces responsibility, ambition, and purpose—can provide young men with a renewed sense of identity while shaping their perspectives as they mature.
Conclusion
As a parent of two Caucasian boys, I’m determined to ensure they don’t become part of this lost generation. This disengaged and disaffected male population poses risks not only to themselves but to society at large. Just look at the richest person in the world and the current U.S. president—both of whom reflect different aspects of this cultural shift.
The challenge is urgent: ensuring our children have the foundation to find purpose, productivity, and fulfilment as young adults.
TheBucket 