사진 확대 “Of Boys and Men” by Richard V. Reeves, translated by Kwon Ki-dae, published by Minumsa Publishing Group, 22,000 KRW
Boys and young men are facing instability. They are falling behind in school, being pushed out of the workforce, and becoming isolated within their families. This is the backdrop for the gender and generational debates in Korea, often referred to as the ‘Idaenam’ phenomenon. However, this is not unique to Korea. A recently published book in the United States has drawn attention for addressing the American version of the ‘Idaenam’ phenomenon. That book is “Of Boys and Men” by Richard V. Reeves.
The author, who has gained international recognition for his research on social class and opportunity inequality, analyzes the crisis facing young men in the United States and proposes several solutions in this book.
He first points out that as women’s rights have advanced, young men are experiencing difficulties in various areas such as academics, employment, mental health, social relationships, and family roles. Statistically, the male suicide rate is much higher than that of females, and social isolation among men is also on the rise.
The author argues that this crisis among men is not just a men’s issue, but a challenge the entire society—including women—must recognize and address. As men become more socially and economically marginalized, they become more susceptible to political radicalization and extremism, which can further deepen social divisions.
As possible solutions, the book suggests delaying boys’ school entry by one year and providing additional preparatory education. It also recommends increasing male participation in female-dominated fields such as nursing, childcare, and elementary education, and dismantling patriarchal, traditional male stereotypes. Moving away from traditional masculinity, which values physical strength, authority, and competition, the author emphasizes that care, empathy, and emotional openness should also be considered important male qualities.
Richard V. Reeves, the author, is a British sociologist who studied geography at the University of Oxford and is currently a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. As a U.S. citizen, he established himself as an expert on inequality with his 2017 book “Dream Hoarders,” which examined the class structure of American society.
Kim Dae-eun