Social scientist and author Richard Reeves, known for his book "Of Boys and Men," recently expressed concern about a rising trend among men in their 30s and 40s: they are increasingly delaying or entirely forgoing traditional milestones of adulthood, such as homeownership and starting families. In an interview with CNN's Michael Smerconish, Reeves discussed this evolving social dynamic, referencing a recent Wall Street Journal article that highlights the phenomenon.

Reeves emphasized that these milestones aren't just being reached later in life; for many, they're not being reached at all. He cited a concerning statistic: half of men in their 30s and 40s without a college degree do not have children living with them. As president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, Reeves stressed the shift from delayed milestones to absent ones, a trend he finds increasingly worrisome.

Reeves clarified that men aren't necessarily choosing to bypass these life events. Instead, many feel unable to achieve them due to a combination of economic and cultural factors. He pointed to the economic struggles faced by young men, exacerbated by the current gender divide in society, as a key contributor. He cited statistics showing a significant portion of men under 30 are not dating and a substantial number of men in their 20s still live at home.

To address this issue, Reeves advocates for improving the economic prospects of young men through investments in education, promoting vocational training and apprenticeships, and addressing stagnant male wages. He also believes it's crucial to "lower the temperature" on certain cultural and political issues that he believes have created a divide between young men and women. Ultimately, Reeves argues for the creation of a cultural environment that makes it easier for men and women to form families, purchase homes, and establish themselves in life.