Do boys need a rescue plan?

The available evidence says yes. Collectively, our boys are struggling academically, socially, emotionally, and economically. Their academic, educational, and workforce involvement has decreased. Their suicide rates have risen. Ignoring these issues isn’t in our best interest.

Fortunately, more and more people are talking about the challenges facing boys & young men. But talking about boys’ challenges isn’t enough. We must act to improve outcomes.

Author and counselor Michael Gurian has spent the past 40 years thinking, writing about, and advocating for boys (and girls.). His latest project — Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development, a book he co-authored with Sean Kullman — outlines a path forward.

In this conversation, Michael, Janet, & Jen discuss their 7 point rescue plan:

1. Raise Boys To Thrive in a Three Family System
2. Provide Seven Nurturing Elements to Boys Who Are In Trouble
3. Train All Schools in Boy-Friendly Practices
4. Complete Your Own Classroom Citizen Science
5. Compel School Boards to Include Sex Differences in Annual Reports
6. Decrease the Male Gender Gap in College Education
7. Build and Support Community Programs That Help Boys Thrive

Takeaways:

• Understanding male development is crucial for effective support.
• Trauma plays a significant role in boys’ behavior.
• Education systems need to adopt boy-friendly practices.
• Data collection is crucial for understanding and addressing educational disparities.
• Citizen science allows parents and teachers to observe and improve educational environments.
• The politics of masculinity can distract from real issues.
• Solutions for boys already exist and need to be implemented. Trauma in education can stem from systemic issues.
• Community programs should actively involve boys in their development.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development, by Michael Gurian & Sean Kullman

Gurian Institute — online home for all things Gurian (includes links to his books, classes, & upcoming events)

www.michaelgurian.com

Michael Gurian on Raising Boys — ON BOYS podcast episode

Global Initiative for Boys & Men — ON BOYS podcast episode featuring Michael’s Rescue Plan co-author, Sean Kullman

Global Initiative for Boys & Men

In His Words — Sean’s Substack newsletter