The State of American Men 2025 is a groundbreaking new study that offers an unflinching, data-driven look at the emotional, economic, and cultural pressures facing American men. At a time when narratives around masculinity are increasingly divisive and distorted, this annual study cuts through the noise with a clear, compassionate message: Men are not in crisis because of who they are — they’re in crisis because of what they lack.
What the Report Shows:
- Men aren’t in crisis because of who they are — but because of what they lack. Economic insecurity, isolation, and harmful norms are driving a dangerous mix of despair and grievance.
- Masculinity today is shaped by pressure — to provide, to stay silent, to “man up.” 86% of men (and 77% of women) say being a provider defines manhood. Men facing financial strain are over 16x more likely to report suicidal thoughts.
- The Man Box is growing — and getting more extreme. Harmful views like “a man should always have the final say” are increasing. Men in the Man Box are 6.3x more likely to experience suicidal ideation.
- Isolation is an epidemic. Over half of men say “no one really knows me.” That loneliness comes with a cost: despair, suicidality, and political radicalization.
- Solutions exist. Fatherhood, care work, and positive mentorship offer men a path toward purpose and connection. We just need to invest in them.
What We Can Do:
- Prioritize men’s mental health and economic security in policy.
- Normalize care work and redefine success beyond outdated gender roles.
- Counter online radicalization by uplifting positive male identity and belonging.
- Center empathy — not blame — in how we talk about men and boys.
