I – Of Boys and Men | 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It 

Richard V. Reeves, Senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of ‘Dream Hoarders’ & ‘Of Boys and Men’ 

What is happening with so many of our boys and men? Economists lament inexplicable drops in male labor force participation. Public health officials point to disproportionately male “deaths of despair” from suicide or overdose. Parents see their sons struggling and worry what it means for their future. In a compelling presentation, Richard provides a groundbreaking, personal and engaging diagnosis of the contemporary male malaise that is pro-equality as well as pro-male. As he says: “We can hold two thoughts in our head at once. We can be passionate about women’s rights and compassionate toward vulnerable boys and men.” Drawing on years of deep research as well as his personal experience as a father of three sons, Reeves offers a compelling diagnosis of the problems of boys and men-and a bold set of solutions.