Richard Reeves: How to solve the education crisis for boys and men

How to solve the education crisis for boys and men

While studying inequality and social mobility, Richard Reeves made a surprising discovery: in some countries, like the US and UK, boys are drastically lagging behind girls across many academic measures. He explains why these struggles in school are indicative of the larger crises facing boys and men -- and outlines how society could thoughtfully tackle these challenges to work towards a more inclusive, equitable future. (Followed by a Q&A with head of TED Chris Anderson)

Over the past fifty years, the gender gap in education has flipped, with women now earning 18 percent more college degrees than men in the US. Two thirds of top high school academic performers are girls, while boys dominate the bottom ranks. These trends are not just American; similar or even larger gaps exist in other developed countries. Structural issues like later brain development and a lack of male teachers are leaving many boys, especially those from less affluent backgrounds, struggling in school and at risk of being left behind.