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:

  1. Prioritize men’s mental health and economic security in policy.
  2. Normalize care work and redefine success beyond outdated gender roles.
  3. Counter online radicalization by uplifting positive male identity and belonging.
  4. Center empathy — not blame — in how we talk about men and boys.

Resources

English

State of American Men 2025

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