This episode explores the "crisis of boys and men" through a discussion of Richard Reeves' book "Of Boys and Men," examining the educational, professional, and social challenges faced by males in modern society. The hosts dissect Reeves' arguments, beginning with the gender education gap, where girls outperform boys, and scrutinizing Reeves' proposed solution of redshirting boys, questioning its practicality and potential social stigma. Against the backdrop of education, the conversation shifts to the workplace, analyzing wage disparities and the concentration of men in declining industries, while also challenging Reeves' assertion that inherent preferences explain gender imbalances in certain professions. More significantly, the hosts critique Reeves' political analysis, particularly his downplaying of right-wing manipulation of male grievances and his sympathetic portrayal of Jordan Peterson, arguing that Reeves fails to adequately address the systemic issues perpetuating these problems. The discussion pivots to the "masculine mystique" and the higher rates of suicide among men, emphasizing the need for more research and a reevaluation of traditional masculinity. Ultimately, the hosts express disappointment with the book's later chapters, which they feel fall into a trap of "both sides-ism," failing to acknowledge the disproportionate role of conservative politics in exacerbating the challenges faced by boys and men, revealing emerging patterns of how political polarization affects discussions around gender issues.
