Education & Skills

By multiple measures, boys have fallen far behind in education

Over the last several decades, girls have overtaken boys by nearly every metric in educational outcomes. Today, boys are less prepared to start school and, at nearly every point in their K-12 school career, have lower GPAs than girls. Boys are also less likely to take advanced-placement courses and less likely to graduate high school. Women make made up the majority of students on America’s college campuses.

Girls are thriving–and that’s good news–but the data couldn’t be more clear. Something’s not working for boys.  

14
The percentage point gap in school readiness between boys and girls at age 5.
3x
Boys are three times as likely as girls to be expelled.
2/3
Of those in the top decile of high school GPA are girls, whereas 2/3 in the bottom decile are boys.
23%
The share of U.S. public school teachers who are male, down from 33% in 1980.
 2023/08/featured-commentary.jpg
15
The percentage point gap between boys and girls receiving bachelor’s degrees.

commentary Education & Skills

No, young men are not turning away from gender equality

But like many women, they have mixed feelings about feminism.

Jul 24, 2024
Richard Reeves, Allen Downey
men and women chatting around a table

Let’s stop telling teen boys they are toxic.

Catherine Carr wants us to reconsider how we treat boys, promoting understanding and open dialogue instead of labeling them as toxic.

Jul 11, 2024
Catherine Carr
A group of teenage boys sitting down.

The dangerous myth of male incompetence

The myth of male incompetence is reinforced by low expectations. Emily Oster argues competence is learned, not tied to gender.

Jun 17, 2024
Emily Oster
A man carrying a crying child.

Melinda French Gates invests in boys and men: a new era for gender equality

Melinda French Gates is investing in boys and men, showing that the gender equality movement has space for men and boys without sacrificing its focus on women and girls. AIBM President Richard Reeves has been selected to direct a portion of these investments.

May 28, 2024
Richard Reeves
a black and white portrait picture of melinda french gates

We must pay more attention to young men

The growing political gap between Gen Z men and women does not bode well...

Feb 8, 2024
Richard Reeves
A man and a woman are starting at eachoter seperated against a white wall.

To Save Democracy, Help Men

Read about the link between why we should help men, political extremism, and threats to democracy.

Jan 5, 2024
Rachel Kleinfeld
The U.S. capitol building in grey scale

Hey Coach! Our Boys Need You

Learn about the disciplines of freedom and the vital role coaches play in mentoring healthy masculinity for young boys.

Dec 20, 2023
Tim Ryan
A coach is mentoring a young boy on bleachers

Why Washington State should create a Commission on Boys and Men

Lawmakers in Washington State may be about to lead the nation by establishing a bipartisan Commission on Boys and Men.

Nov 13, 2023
Richard Reeves
image of washington state containing educational themes

We need more apprenticeships

For young men struggling to transition into work, apprenticeships are a good alternative to college

Nov 10, 2023
Richard Reeves, Will Secker
Man in a warehouse

The math gap that’s not what you think it is

Plus: discussing loneliness with the Surgeon General and a landmark essay on masculinity

Jul 26, 2023
Richard Reeves
Boy in classroom

Some news I can’t wait to share: AIBM

Why I'm founding the American Institute for Boys and Men

Jun 30, 2023
Richard Reeves
young boy running

Into the vacuum demons pour

Why neglecting male issues is bad for our culture and politics

Mar 29, 2023
Richard Reeves
six male demons congregating and looking into the distance