A Looming Crisis: Young Men, Education, Employment, and the Rise of Extremism in the Global North
There’s a silent crisis brewing in our society, one that is barely spoken about yet has ramifications that ripple through our communities. Young men, particularly in the Global North, are facing increasing challenges in the realms of education and employment, with far-reaching consequences that affect not just them but society at large. In education, young men are lagging behind their female counterparts. This phenomenon is no secret, with studies showing that young women outperform boys at every stage of the education system, a trend especially prevalent in countries such as the UK and the USA. The reasons behind this ‘educational gender gap’ are complex and multifaceted, encompassing sociological, psychological, and systemic factors.
From a sociological perspective, the traditional image of masculinity can often conflict with academic success. The ‘macho’ stereotype, where physical prowess is valued over intellectual achievement, can discourage young men from fully engaging with education. In psychological terms, research has suggested that boys might be more susceptible to attention disorders, which can undermine academic performance. Systemically, there’s a suggestion that contemporary education systems are more attuned to female learning styles, with a focus on coursework and continual assessment over end-of-course examinations. This educational imbalance feeds directly into the employment market. Employers are increasingly demanding higher levels of education, often to the detriment of those who have struggled academically. As a result, young men can find themselves disadvantaged, leading to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. The shifting economic landscape, which is seeing a steady decline in traditionally male-dominated industries like manufacturing, further exacerbates this disenfranchisement.
This combination of educational and employment challenges can, unfortunately, lead to a sense of frustration, resentment, and anger among young men. Feeling marginalised and undervalued, they may perceive themselves as ‘failures’, particularly in a society where success is often measured in terms of educational attainment and career progression. In the most extreme cases, this disenchantment can manifest in a dangerous way. Extremist groups often prey on these feelings of disenfranchisement, offering an ideological hook that can make these young men feel validated, powerful, and ‘manly’ again. In this way, the personal crisis of a young man can quickly escalate into a societal problem, with violence becoming a misguided expression of masculinity and a cry for recognition.
The rise of different extremist ideologies in the Global North has been a topic of concern for many years. Among these ideologies are the involuntary celibate (incel), far-right, neo-Nazi, and Islamist movements. The incel movement has seen a considerable rise in recent years. This is an online subculture of men who express frustration, often in terms that are misogynistic and violent, over their inability to attract women or have sexual relationships. Notable cases of incel-related violence include the case of Elliot Rodger in 2014, who killed six people and injured 14 others before committing suicide. Rodger had posted a manifesto detailing his frustration and anger towards women. Another case involved a man in Toronto who identified with the incel movement and murdered 10 people in a van attack in 2018.
Far-right extremism, particularly white supremacist ideologies, has also been on the rise. Right-wing extremists committed every ideologically motivated mass murder in the United States in 2022, with white supremacists being responsible for a sizable portion of these crimes. Two major incidents that year — a racist mass shooting in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs — accounted for 60% of deaths resulting from extremist mass killings. The number of extremist mass killings in the past decade in the U.S. was at least three times higher than any decade since the 1970s.
The underachievement of men in education and employment in the Global North is a significant issue that has been linked to feelings of disaffection and disenfranchisement. This underachievement can occur due to a variety of socio-economic factors, including the deindustrialization of regions, the increased demand for high-skilled labour, changes in family structures, or societal expectations around masculinity. These conditions often leave men, particularly young men, feeling marginalised and without a clear path to success, which can foster feelings of resentment and anger. This sense of marginalisation and disenfranchisement can create fertile ground for radicalization and violent extremism. When individuals feel left behind by society, they may be more susceptible to extremist ideologies that promise empowerment, meaning, and a sense of belonging. Radical ideologies frequently provide oversimplified explanations for complex societal issues, and they may be appealing to people who believe that the current social and economic structures have treated them unfairly. There are two primary forms of violent extremism that have been linked to these issues: far-right neo-Nazi cells and Islamist extremism. Both ideologies often prey on feelings of resentment and anger, and they can provide a sense of purpose to individuals who feel marginalised or disenfranchised.
In the case of far-right neo-Nazi cells, individuals may be drawn to extremist ideologies that blame specific groups (such as immigrants or racial and religious minorities) for societal problems. This can lead to acts of violence, as we have seen in various instances in the past years, with right-wing extremism being a significant source of domestic terrorism in the U.S. and a notable rise in the U.K. On the other hand, Islamist extremism can appeal to individuals who feel that their religious identity is under threat. This form of extremism often combines religious beliefs with political grievances, and it can lead to violent acts aimed at causing widespread fear and destabilisation. Furthermore, there is a growing concern about the rise of the “incel” ideology, or involuntary celibates, a misogynistic online subculture. Although not currently considered a terrorist ideology, it can inspire acts of violence, with a large rise in the number of young men being referred to the UK government’s Prevent scheme over the incel ideology.
The underachievement of men in education and employment in the Global North can contribute to feelings of disenfranchisement and disaffection, which can in turn lead to radicalization and violent extremism. All extremist ideologies pose a severe threat to society. Not only do they result in acts of violence and terror, but they also foster divisive attitudes that can undermine social cohesion and stability. Understanding these movements and their impacts is crucial to developing effective strategies for preventing radicalization and mitigating the harmful effects of extremism. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. In education, we must challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage boys to embrace academic success without fear of compromising their masculinity. Schools should also consider revising their teaching styles to better cater to the diverse needs of their students, including those who might be more inclined towards practical or vocational learning. In terms of employment, it’s essential to broaden the definition of success beyond the narrow confines of white-collar jobs. There’s dignity and value in all forms of work, and young men should be encouraged to explore a range of career paths, including those in growing sectors such as technology and renewable energy.
Above all, we need to create a society where young men feel seen, heard, and valued. By acknowledging their struggles and addressing their needs, we can help them navigate the path to adulthood in a healthy and productive way, preventing their descent into frustration, anger, and potentially extremism. This is not just about supporting our young men; it’s about building a more compassionate, inclusive, and resilient society. It’s high time we turned our collective attention to this unseen crisis. For the sake of our young men and for the well-being of our society, we cannot afford to ignore it any longer.
