In a recent appearance on CNN, NYU business professor Scott Galloway ignited a conversation about the struggles facing young men today. His new book, Notes on Being a Man (Simon & Schuster, November 2025), boldly declares that men are in crisis. Galloway argues that modern masculinity is in disarray, leaving boys and young men feeling disconnected, purposeless, and isolated. The data he cites paints a troubling picture: young men are enrolling in college at lower rates than women, forming fewer friendships, and reporting unprecedented levels of loneliness. They are falling behind in emotional and social development, signaling a deeper societal shift beyond fleeting teenage angst.
This isn’t just a book club topic—it’s a viral phenomenon. Galloway’s blunt assessment feels uncomfortably familiar to parents, educators, and even teenagers. Boys across the country seem adrift, unsure how to navigate a world that keeps redefining what it means to be a man. His book, however, doesn’t just diagnose the problem; it attempts to offer a path forward.
The Problem: A Generation Lost
Galloway’s central argument is that the rules of masculinity haven’t kept pace with modern life. For today’s young men, traits like emotional expression and vulnerability are often stigmatized, while adaptability and emotional strength are undervalued. The structures that once helped boys build identity—clear career paths, physical rites of passage, and stable social roles—are disappearing, leaving a void.
The book explores how this crisis extends beyond sons to impact partners, daughters, and siblings. Galloway writes that men are in crisis because the world hasn’t caught up to their needs. They need permission to feel, to connect, and to express themselves without fear of judgment.
Key Takeaways for Boys
Galloway’s book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a man in 2025. Instead of prescribing outdated ideals, he frames emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and self-awareness as essential tools for navigating modern life. For boys, the book serves as a roadmap for building a healthy identity—one that isn’t defined by rigid expectations but by authenticity and connection.
This Isn’t New, But It’s Urgent
At SheKnows, this conversation isn’t unfamiliar. Earlier this year, our “Be a Man” digital issue examined the same tensions: how to raise boys in a world questioning rigid definitions of masculinity. Parents, educators, and experts alike emphasized that boys are craving connection, emotional validation, and a framework for expressing vulnerability without shame. They aren’t broken—they are navigating uncharted territory.
Galloway’s book feels like the next necessary step in this evolving dialogue. It challenges parents, caregivers, and society to rethink how we teach strength, identity, and belonging. Whether we’re talking about boys or girls, the message is the same: raising emotionally healthy children means redefining what it means to thrive in a changing world.
Why It Matters Beyond Gender
At the heart of the issue is the interconnectedness of our society. If young men are struggling, it reflects a broader cultural imbalance. The same forces that marginalize emotional expression in boys can influence how we raise girls, creating ripple effects across families, workplaces, and communities. The crisis of masculinity isn’t just a boys’ issue—it’s a societal one.
Conclusion
Scott Galloway’s Notes on Being a Man is a call to action. It asks us to confront the uncomfortable truth that modern masculinity is broken and to reimagine what it means to be a man in today’s world. But the lessons extend far beyond boys—they remind all parents and caregivers to redefine strength, purpose, and connection in ways that resonate with everyone
