Where Are the Men?

In spite of positive job growth in the U.S., “the percentage of working-age Americans in the labor force remains stuck near its lowest level since the late 1970s. Although retiring baby boomers are the main reason, there’s another troubling factor that experts predict won’t be solved by stronger economic growth. Too many men in their prime don’t have a job and aren’t even looking for one. Experts trying to figure out the reasons are probing the roles of criminal background checks, painkillers and even video games. In all, about 7 million men ages 25 to 54 are neither employed nor ‘available for work,’ putting them outside the labor force. Their growing numbers worry and puzzle economists. A little more than half of the men reported they were ill or disabled, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 14% are going to school. And about 20% said they were either retired or handling home responsibilities” (Los Angeles Times, November 21, 2016).

Scripture warns of a time when men of the Israelite-descended nations will not lead as God intended (Ephesians 5:23-33; 1 Timothy 5:8), but will become “lovers of pleasure,” and a time when “women [will] rule over them” (2 Timothy 3:1-4; Isaiah 3:12). For decades, women have risen in the U.S. workplace and men have exited (The Atlantic, July/August 2010). This trend will continue as society departs further from traditional Judeo-Christian values. Thankfully, Christ will restore a better way at His return! For a preview of this future, read “Fatherless Families?”