So generally I like your content but I think this article and the argument it makes are pretty off-base. You gloss over the fact that most noncollege men are conservatives and Trump supporters and that is absolutely radioactive to many, many women, especially college-educated ones.
I think the data pointing to these men being expected to be providers and thus victims of the conservative views many of them hold is very interesting, but I think you jump far too quickly to the conclusion that this is therefore a main reason women choose not to date them. I strongly suspect political alignment has far more to do with that in 2025, and just saying that noncollege men are less "picky" than women and moving on to the next point is not doing the issue justice.
Thanks Noah. I appreciate the comment. Young noncollege men are not actually all that conservative, and most do not embrace MAGA-style politics that many young women find repellent. In a 2025 national survey, we found that only 43% noncollege young men had a favorable view of Trump. What defines their politics more than anything is apathy and disengagement. They are far more likely than other groups to have a negative opinion of both political parties. The same poll found that only half reported voting in the 2024 presidential election, which is probably an overestimate of their actual turnout rate.
One thing that perhaps I could have addressed more clearly is that in American society financial and social well-being are increasingly linked. Americans who struggle financially also struggle socially and subsequently, romantically as well.
I appreciate you shining a spotlight on this. I think the discrepancy on the chart about what makes a man or woman a good partner was most striking for me.
I find myself wondering what, if anything, can be done about this. Is it creating more opportunities for financial advancement for non-college men, supporting more men to get to and through college, some combination, or something else entirely? Despite the more traditional nature of placing greater emphasis on men’s earning in heterosexual partnership, I don’t think it’s going anywhere any time soon.
These are good questions. There are a growing number of people working on this, such as the American Institute for Boys and Men. My sense is that having good male role models is incredibly important in helping boys and young men figure out their purpose and finding meaning in a world of rapidly changing technology and social norms. It also means investing in social infrastructure, places where men (and women) can find support and build connection. One massive disadvantage that noncollege Americans have compared college-grads is the lifelong social connections that are established during 4 years of school.
The chart (if this is what you're referring to) is of 18-39 year olds. Because women date and marry older younger men in general there are more younger single men than women across categories, but the gap is largest among noncollege.
So generally I like your content but I think this article and the argument it makes are pretty off-base. You gloss over the fact that most noncollege men are conservatives and Trump supporters and that is absolutely radioactive to many, many women, especially college-educated ones.
I think the data pointing to these men being expected to be providers and thus victims of the conservative views many of them hold is very interesting, but I think you jump far too quickly to the conclusion that this is therefore a main reason women choose not to date them. I strongly suspect political alignment has far more to do with that in 2025, and just saying that noncollege men are less "picky" than women and moving on to the next point is not doing the issue justice.
Thanks Noah. I appreciate the comment. Young noncollege men are not actually all that conservative, and most do not embrace MAGA-style politics that many young women find repellent. In a 2025 national survey, we found that only 43% noncollege young men had a favorable view of Trump. What defines their politics more than anything is apathy and disengagement. They are far more likely than other groups to have a negative opinion of both political parties. The same poll found that only half reported voting in the 2024 presidential election, which is probably an overestimate of their actual turnout rate.
One thing that perhaps I could have addressed more clearly is that in American society financial and social well-being are increasingly linked. Americans who struggle financially also struggle socially and subsequently, romantically as well.
so much complaining from both men and women.
bunch of fucking babies these days.
Again this modern era problem has a name. It’s called Hoeflation.
I appreciate you shining a spotlight on this. I think the discrepancy on the chart about what makes a man or woman a good partner was most striking for me.
I find myself wondering what, if anything, can be done about this. Is it creating more opportunities for financial advancement for non-college men, supporting more men to get to and through college, some combination, or something else entirely? Despite the more traditional nature of placing greater emphasis on men’s earning in heterosexual partnership, I don’t think it’s going anywhere any time soon.
These are good questions. There are a growing number of people working on this, such as the American Institute for Boys and Men. My sense is that having good male role models is incredibly important in helping boys and young men figure out their purpose and finding meaning in a world of rapidly changing technology and social norms. It also means investing in social infrastructure, places where men (and women) can find support and build connection. One massive disadvantage that noncollege Americans have compared college-grads is the lifelong social connections that are established during 4 years of school.
Could you help me with the math? How can there be more married women than men?
What group of women is not married to make up for the men who are not?
The chart (if this is what you're referring to) is of 18-39 year olds. Because women date and marry older younger men in general there are more younger single men than women across categories, but the gap is largest among noncollege.
It makes sense, although I expect it primarily in the 18-25 group who have not established themselves financially.
It’s a shit show out there. Men have to look after themselves.