Modern Wisdom #614 - Nicholas Eberstadt - Why Do Millions of Men Not Want to Work?
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Apr 13, 2023 
Nicholas Eberstadt, a political economist and scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, unpacks the troubling trend of over 7 million prime-age men in the U.S. opting out of the workforce. He discusses the socio-economic reasons behind this phenomenon, including mental health implications and the pressure of modern masculinity. Eberstadt reveals how these men often substitute work with extensive screen time and reliance on disability benefits, and he examines the societal impact of their disengagement, challenging conventional narratives around unemployment.
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Beyond Economics
- Common explanations for male unemployment (like economic change) don't fully explain the issue.
- The current labor shortage further challenges these explanations, suggesting values play a role.
How They Survive
- Many non-working men rely on support from family, girlfriends, and government disability programs.
- Disability programs may have become alternative income sources rather than their original intent.
Screen Time and Pain Meds
- Non-working men report spending around 2,000 hours yearly on screens.
- Roughly half report daily pain medication use, suggesting a concerning combination of inactivity and substance use.
