“The War Against Boys” Summarized: Unforced Errors 

Periodically, major news organizations publish narratives concerning challenges faced by young males, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, aggressive behavior, and substance abuse. This pattern persists, with numerous theories presented yet few viable resolutions offered. Often, these media accounts appear to be driven by underlying agendas rather than a genuine desire to address these issues.

Conversely, Christina Hoff Sommers approaches the matter with a data-centric perspective, identifying clear issues affecting young men and proposing evidence-based solutions. In her book, The War Against Boys, Sommers employs rigorous data analysis to critique educational institutions, feminist ideologies, and various cultural factors. Her analysis is grounded in empirical data and scientific research, reflecting her academic expertise. Sommers utilizes her considerable intellect to advocate for the well-being of young males, seeking to understand the root causes of what she identifies as an apparent societal antagonism towards them.

Consider These Facts

•   In school, boys earn lower grades, receive fewer honors, and are less likely to attend college,
•   In fact, only 39% of college students are male,
•   93 percent of inmates are men,
•   Young men commit suicide at 5 times the rate of young women,
•   Single men in their 20s earn less than single women in their 20s,
•   Young men account for most ultra violent crimes, and
•   Malaise consumes large numbers of young men. 

It is clear there is a problem with many boys and men. The solution, according to Sommers, is not making the boys get in touch with their feelings or shaming them for enjoying competition or adventure. These strategies haven’t worked, so it’s time to change tack. 

Sensible Solutions 

Sommers’ main theme is that a “large and growing cohort of poorly educated young men in our midst, boys who are going to be lost in our knowledge-based economy. To address the problem, we must acknowledge the plain truth: boys and girls are different.”

The common oversight is that schools and parts of society frequently misinterpret boys as “malfunctioning girls.” Sommers argues this perspective stems from a deliberate feminist effort to hinder boys’ progress, even though girls achieved parity long ago. This assessment suggests a societal issue where typical male behavior and masculinity are often condemned.

The appropriate approach to addressing masculinity involves channeling it constructively rather than seeking its obliteration. Sommers demonstrates that the cultivation of self-control and discipline, aligning with boys’ inherent inclinations, fosters positive development in boys, young men, and adults. Societal disconnection from young men arises when they are compelled to adopt inauthentic personas and subjected to severe repercussions for minor transgressions instead of receiving guidance in discipline. The exclusion of boys and men from society, devoid of a sense of purpose, engenders significant behavioral issues and violence.

Furthermore, Sommers posits that boys, and indeed all children, necessitate a moral education. Its absence precipitates barbaric, abusive, and perilous behaviors. Adults bear the responsibility of providing instruction and establishing boundaries, rather than offering justifications. Boys exhibit positive responses when imbued with a sense of duty and purpose. Morality constitutes an essential resource, the abandonment of which appears to characterize contemporary society.

Sommers addresses enumerable interrelated subjects in her book. Among them are the following: 

•   The “spread” phenomenon, which shows boys are more likely than girls to be extremely successful or extremely troubled.
•   Why the gender wage gap agenda is misleading and dishonest. 
•   How the widespread assertion that boys are violent, has led to strict punishments and expulsions – when viewing boys as rowdy and high energy would lead to more corrective steps like teaching self-discipline, morality, and how to be a gentleman.   
•   How boys become second class citizens. 

Until recently, she writes, “boyeshiness” was celebrated, but now it’s labeled a problem. This is a huge issue because we are turning boys away from school and society. When high energy boys and young men are engaged with school and society, they use that enthusiasm towards productive pursuits. Conversely, when they are not engaged, they can easily turn their focus to damaging ends. Disengaging boys at an early stage in life is devastating to them personally and leads to societal decay. 

What Should Be Done with This Information?

Following the publication of The War Against Boys, Christina Hoff Sommers has proposed four immediate action steps to foster more productive male citizens. In a Prager U presentation, Sommers asserts that “Being a normal boy is a serious liability in today’s classroom.” She suggests the following straightforward measures to begin tackling this issue:

1. Encourage Boys to Read: Provide them with materials they find engaging, such as non-fiction and action-oriented content.
2. Stimulate Male Imagination: Allow boys to focus on topics like action and battles in their writing, rather than solely personal narratives.
3. Eliminate Zero Tolerance Policies: Avoid alienating boys by expelling them for minor infractions or insubordination.
4. Restore Recess: Recognize that boys need to expend energy and engage in competitive play. Since the 1970s, schoolchildren have experienced a 50% reduction in unstructured playtime.

Life inevitably presents challenges. The key is to minimize self-inflicted difficulties, such as problematic relationships, career missteps, neglecting health, and harmful habits. Systematically disadvantaging boys represents another significant unforced error, exacerbating life’s inherent struggles. By creating a “boy problem,” society has made a grave mistake. It is crucial to cease this detrimental course of action.

Purchase the War Against Boys and visit our Bookshelf for more recommendations.