Why There Are No Good Men Left: Barbara Dafoe Whitehead

In her groundbreaking book, Barbara Dafoe Whitehead argues that the decline of marriage and the rise of single motherhood have had a devastating impact on American society. She shows how the lack of good men has led to a decline in social capital, an increase in crime and violence, and a general decline in the quality of life for both men and women.

The Decline of Marriage

Whitehead begins by documenting the decline of marriage in the United States. She shows how the percentage of adults who are married has fallen from 72% in 1960 to 51% in 2019. This decline has been especially pronounced among young adults, with only 20% of millennials married by the age of 30.

Whitehead argues that the decline of marriage is due to a number of factors, including the rise of feminism, the increasing economic independence of women, and the changing nature of work. She also shows how the government has played a role in the decline of marriage by making it easier for couples to divorce and by providing financial incentives for single motherhood.

The Rise of Single Motherhood

The decline of marriage has led to a corresponding rise in single motherhood. In 1960, only 8% of children were born to single mothers. By 2019, that number had risen to 40%.

Whitehead argues that single motherhood is a major cause of poverty, crime, and other social problems. She shows how children who are raised by single mothers are more likely to drop out of school, get involved in crime, and have children of their own out of wedlock.

The Impact on Men

The decline of marriage and the rise of single motherhood have also had a negative impact on men. Whitehead shows how men who are not married are more likely to be poor, unemployed, and in prison. They are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems and to engage in risky behaviors.

The Way Forward

Whitehead concludes by arguing that the decline of marriage is a serious threat to American society. She calls for a number of policy changes to encourage marriage and reduce single motherhood. These changes include making it easier for couples to get married, providing financial incentives for marriage, and reforming the child welfare system.

Why You Should Read This Book

Why There Are No Good Men Left is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the future of American society. Whitehead provides a wealth of data and evidence to support her arguments, and she writes in a clear and engaging style. This book is a wake-up call that we need to take action to reverse the decline of marriage and the rise of single motherhood.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a book that will change the way you think about marriage and family, then I highly recommend Why There Are No Good Men Left. This book is a powerful indictment of the current state of American society, and it offers a clear path forward for a better future.