The ‘masculinity crisis’ is actually a crisis of self-esteem | Psyche Ideas

The author argues that the so-called masculinity crisis is better explained as a global crisis of self-esteem, driven by competition in economically unequal societies. Drawing on Charles Taylor's account of modern identity, the piece says that once rigid feudal roles broke down, self-esteem became a matter of individual performance, and that the fluidity of social position makes everyone feel like a potential failure. It contends that men's anger and disengagement, and the political withdrawal of post-industrial communities, reflect this lack of self-esteem. Proposed remedies include widening access to stable jobs, housing and healthcare, and broadening the standards of contribution that society recognises.