Of Boys and Men
By Richard V. Reeves (Brookings Institution Press, 2022)
In this book, Richard V. Reeves makes a nuanced and potentially contentious argument that the unique educational and employment challenges boys and men face are large and consequential and require a new set of systematic responses. Reeves uses education and workforce data to demonstrate that, while women continue to earn less than men in many top positions, middle- and working-class families often see women earning as much as or more than their male counterparts. He adds data showing much higher rates of college enrollment and completion among women, even while they still receive disproportionately fewer STEM degrees.
Acknowledging persistent gender inequity in some areas, but elucidating less frequently discussed gender inequity in others, Reeves argues that there is still plenty of work to be done to produce more equitable outcomes in positions of power and pay for women. But there is another social imperative that requires a focus on boys and men.
Rather than focusing on evidence of harm or concern, Reeves lays out evidence of where educational and social programming has been especially helpful for boys or men and proposes a set of policies that, based on the evidence, could advance a conversation about how to address multiple forms of gender-based need in our society.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shaun M. Dougherty
Shaun M. Dougherty is a professor of education and policy at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, MA.
