Why 63% of Young Men Have Stopped Trying | Scott Galloway

Scott Galloway unpacks the social and economic issues modern men face, stressed by a society that judges them on economic viability and struggles against evolving gender roles.

Men Face Higher Rates of Suicide, Addiction, Homelessness, Incarceration

Evolving Male Roles Amid Women's Progress

Galloway notes serious social challenges disproportionately affecting men, citing higher rates of suicide, addiction, homelessness, and incarceration among men compared to women. He states that for every five suicides, four are men, and the majority of gun deaths are suicides, indicating high levels of self-destructive behavior. The changing societal landscape, with the rise of women, leaves men with an unclear role, and traditional expectations, such as men as the initiators of romantic interest, have evolved.

Galloway shares personal experiences, such as his responsibility to care for his sick mother, reflecting traditional male roles as a provider and protector. He also mentions the economic struggles of men falling behind women and the possible negative "externalities and some knock-on effects."

Lewis Howes discusses unhealed traumas and the lack of tools to navigate society healthily leading to destructive behaviors. Galloway adds to this with a personal anecdote about his father's unkind behavior after divorce, highlighting the need for men to have role models that teach them how to contribute positively to society and family.

Young Men "Untethered" by Decline of Traditional Male Industries

Remote Work and Digital Engagement Isolate Young Men From In-person Connections

Traditional male industries' decline has left many young men uncertain of their societal role. Galloway discusses how traditional shop classes disappearing from schools narrow down opportunities for those not inclined toward college or tech careers.

Galloway acknowledges the struggles of young men and espouses economic programs to help them, asserting that supporting men doesn’t detract from assisting women. He observes that remote work and society's move ...

Scott Galloway and Lewis Howes dive into the pivotal role male mentors and role models play in the personal and professional development of young men, as well as the societal trends that deter men from mentorship roles.

Young Men Gain From Older Male Mentors Offering Guidance, Support, and Value

Galloway discusses how critical older male figures have been in his life, sharing the influence of a mentor called Cy Sarah who taught him about investing in stocks. This guidance has been a key factor in Galloway's financial success. He recognizes the mentorship he received at his first job as instrumental to learning professional behavior and how to interact with colleagues, including those of the opposite gender.

Galloway firmly believes that older men owe a debt to mentor young men and boys, especially since they had unfair advantages in the past. He calls for older men to actively engage in the lives of the younger generation to help uplift them. Similarly, Lewis Howes reflects on how the loss of his father emphasized the need for male guidance in his life, which encouraged him to step up as a man and a leader.

Furthermore, Galloway shares a story from his childhood where his interest in investing was sparked by a stockbroker named Cy Serra, who provided him with financial guidance from a young age. This mentorship instilled in Galloway both confidence and a lifelong interest in investing.

Men Avoid Mentoring Roles Due to Fear of Misperception

Galloway touches on a modern taboo that men face today—avoiding mentoring young boys due to fears of misinterpretation of their intentions. This fear creates a significant obstacle to male mentorship, preventing beneficial relationships from forming.

Male Role Models Teach Skills, Emotional Intelligence, and Healthy Relationships

Galloway points out that witnessing affection between his friend Lee and Lee's father influenced how he approached fatherhood, which reflects on the impact male role models have on emotional intelligence. He credits his father for the traits he inherited, such as storytelling and the ability to captivate an audience.

Lewis Howes praises Galloway for discussing vulnerability and masculinity. He points out that young boys are more at risk today due to a lack of skills for developing in-person relationships and emphasizes the need for strong male leaders to ...

Shifting gender roles and the economic empowerment of women are altering traditional romantic dynamics. As women gain economic power, the dynamics in relationships evolve, leading to discussion on the roles men play beyond financial provision.

Shifting Gender Roles as Women Gain Economic Power

With progress in gender equality and women increasingly entering the workforce, traditional male roles are being reassessed. Scott Galloway highlights the ascent of women as a positive force in society, mentioning the crucial role women played during World War II and how their entry into the workforce has driven economic growth. He challenges the notion that women's achievements negatively impact men's well-being, noting that 17% of households now have a woman as the primary breadwinner, a telltale sign of shifting gender roles. More women than men are now in medical and law schools, and it's predicted that the percentage of female to male college graduates will be two to one in the next five years.

Relationship Challenges: Higher Divorce Rates and Decreased Attraction With Female Breadwinners

The shift in economic power is affecting relationships. Scott Galloway points out that when a woman earns more than her partner, the likelihood of divorce doubles and the use of erectile dysfunction medication triples among men, alluding to a link to decreased male self-esteem. It's suggested that the capitalist value placed on economic power can challenge relationships where a woman is the primary earner. This shift leads to women dating older men who match their expectations for economic and emotional viability.

Moreover, 70% of divorces are filed by women, which some see as positive since women are becoming less financially dependent on men. However, inherent sexual attraction may diminish in marriages where the woman is the primary provider. Galloway also explores the double standard of career focus on romantic and sexual desirability, noting that men often find partners irrespective of personal attributes if they succeed professionally, whereas the same isn't true for women.

Lewis Howes notes the complexity of modern romantic dynamics, hinting at the struggles men face as women's economic power grows. Galloway observes that women are attracted to men who signal resources; however, as women gain economic independence, kindness becomes an increasingly attractive trait. The discussion moves onto how the rise of online dating has narrowed celebrated attributes to more superficial qualities and how men need to establish positive attributes beyond financial or physical strengths.

Men Must Adapt and Develop Skills Beyond Financial Provision in Relationships

Lewis Howes discusses the need for men to improve themselves emotionally and spiritually to attract partners and the importance of contributing beyond their own needs. ...