The economic challenges facing men without college degrees - The Indicator from Planet Money Recap

Podcast: The Indicator from Planet Money

Published: 2025-12-27

Duration: 24 minutes

Guests: Richard Reeves

Summary

Men without college degrees in the U.S. face declining or stagnant wages, while those with degrees see growth. Economic policy and cultural shifts are needed to address this disparity.

What Happened

Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, discusses the economic challenges faced by men without college degrees. He highlights that since 1979, the wages of men with college degrees have increased, while those without have seen stagnation or decline. Reeves attributes this decline to the disappearance of well-paying manufacturing and manual labor jobs that once supported men without higher education. He also notes that fewer men are participating in the labor force, with health issues being a significant reason for non-participation among those without a college degree.

Reeves argues that cultural expectations about men's roles as providers have not kept pace with economic changes. He points out that while women have become more economically independent, many men still feel the pressure to be the main breadwinner. This cultural lag can have psychological effects, especially on working-class men who have seen their economic roles diminished.

He suggests that one solution is to improve access to vocational training and apprenticeships, as the U.S. underinvests in these areas compared to other advanced economies. Additionally, there is a need to encourage men into growing fields like healthcare and education, which have traditionally been dominated by women.

Reeves also stresses the importance of redefining masculinity beyond economic contributions. He advocates for recognizing men's roles as community members and caregivers, which are equally valuable. This broader definition can help alleviate the psychological burden of not fulfilling traditional provider roles.

He touches on the need for policy changes that can create better economic opportunities for men without college degrees, including infrastructure investments and revitalizing certain industries. He also calls for a cultural shift that values men's contributions outside of just financial terms.

The episode concludes with Reeves sharing that his book on modern male struggles, initially hard to publish, has gained traction and sparked important conversations. He notes that addressing these issues is crucial to preventing grievances from becoming more widespread.

Key Insights