Surveillance reveals an alarming percentage of American young males express concerns over their future prospects
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Democrats are taking a closer look at winning over younger dudes, given the majority of men under 30 voted for Trump in the last election. A recent survey of over a thousand young males offers some insights. Aaron Smith, from the Young Men's Research Initiative, shared his thoughts on this topic with Michel Martin.
Aaron Smith highlights that concerns among young males aren’t all that different from other Americans. Topping their list of worries is inflation and the high cost of housing. Over half (47%) of them believe the economic situation is getting worse, which mirrors the feelings from the previous election. These concerns reflect a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the status quo and their future prospects.
When it comes to their place in modern society, it's an intriguing question for young males. Their values align with those of their fathers and grandfathers, valuing security, honesty, and acting as protectors for their families. However, the online world can often cater to some of their darker impulses, as platforms like Andrew Tate's promote questionable answers for young men who feel lost.
Michel Martin raises the point that many young males seem to be indulging in activities that are at odds with their professed goals. Smith agrees, noting a conflict between their time spent online and their stated concerns.
Diving into the political aspect, young males have low trust across institutions, but particularly in politics. They view both political parties as corrupt, leaving elected officials with a tremendous task to regain their trust. But, according to Smith, it’s crucial for politicians to listen to what young males are saying - they want their concerns addressed, particularly on the economy.
Smith states that housing is a significant issue for young males because it's linked to traditional visions of masculinity and their ability to provide for their families. He believes that parties should focus on housing affordability to win the support of young males, regardless of their political affiliation.
When asked what political parties should take away from this research, Smith suggests that both Democrats and Republicans should recognize that they cannot afford to take young male voters for granted. Instead, they must address the real issues that matter to this group and work to rebuild trust.
- Young males in the community express parity with the rest of America in their environmental concerns, with inflation and skyrocketing housing costs topping their list.
- In the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, young males view both major parties with skepticism, calling for action on economic issues that affect them.
- As the general news often reflects, young males grapple with balancing their online lives and offline values, with many indulging in activities that contradict their stated goals, such as heeding the questionable advice of figures like Andrew Tate.
