Gareth Southgate didn’t tackle the real issues facing young men
The former England manager sidestepped politics in a well-meaning but flawed television documentary, writes Dr Michael Richardson. Plus Lucy Kellaway on the importance of male teachers as role models for young men
TL;DR
- Gareth Southgate's documentary is criticized for ignoring political choices and offering small-scale solutions to complex issues facing young men.
- Comparisons like smartphone ownership versus fatherhood are deemed superficial and reveal more about technology use than family realities.
- Addressing absent fathers requires examining insecure work, housing, relationship breakdown, and family courts, not just catchy contrasts.
- Environmental initiatives can be transformative for young men when sustained, rooted in place, and linked to employment.
- The number of male teachers in England has fallen, despite a significant increase in older men entering teacher training.
- Career-changing men, often with extensive professional experience, are becoming crucial role models for young men.
- A need for a dedicated support service and targeted recruitment campaign is identified to address the gender gap in teaching.