The “baby-boomers” have enjoyed immense good fortune. They have lived through an unprecedented period of prosperity, benefiting from rising house prices, free university education and generous final-salary pension schemes. More than 80% of the nation’s wealth is owned by people born between 1946 and 1964.
At the other end of the spectrum we have the “millennials” – those born after 1980. This generation have embraced technology and have been at the forefront of social change. They are shaping our future.
But there is a generation sandwiched in between these two groups that increasingly feel lost, confused and let-down. And, in particular, a generation of men who struggle to cope with the changing world in which we live. As boys, we grew up with silent, strong and austere fathers who went to work and provided for their families. Now, we have sons who are more progressive, open and individualistic and, in truth, many of us never really mastered either of these roles.
Changes in the economy in recent decades, with a shift away from manufacturing, have removed a source of male pride, identity and companionship. We have reached an age where we accept that we’ll never play centre forward for Manchester United or open the batting for England. We are also worried about our future. How will we be able to survive on our much-reduced pension? Will we have to work into our 70s to support our families? Ahead, we see only physical and emotional decay and a slow decline to our demise.
Furthermore, changes in the social landscape, whilst broadly accepted by most men, nevertheless can result in a sense of confusion and desperation. The Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report for 2014 shows that men aged between 40-44 are the demographic group with the highest rate of suicide, nearly four times that of women the same age; for those aged 45-54, the rate is roughly three times higher for men than women.
Should we just shrug our shoulders and accept this as an inevitable consequence of our changing times? I don’t think so. Our culture’s masculine code’ tells us that men don’t need relationships, don’t need to be connected and don’t need to be heartfelt. Perhaps it’s time for us to readjust our thinking. and find our place in the world with a renewed sense of confidence, self-worth and optimism.
That’s the spirit this site wishes to promote.