Technological advances in American workplaces, the globalization of economic markets and the widespread loss of jobs during the Great Recession have helped drive a forty-year trend of deteriorating labor market opportunities and declining wages for large segments of men, particularly males of color. During this period subgroups of men and boys have also experienced declines in educational attainment and increases in rates of incarceration. These long-standing patterns have motivated scholarly research and significant media commentary positing the existence of a masculinity crisis and signaling the end of American manhood as we know it.
In response to these concerns, a broad range of nonprofit and government initiatives designed to improve education, employment and health outcomes among men and boys now populate the national landscape. Evidence of this growing field of practice can be found in a majority of states and the nation's capital city. The field is characterized by grassroots and grasstops mobilization approaches, single- and multi-service organizations, university affiliated and secular and faith-based efforts to improve male life outcomes.
This brief profiles organizations operating in New York State. The organizational capacity, scope of services and geographic reach of these groups is examined within the context of the Great Recession of 2008-09. The economic downturn provides an important marker for the nation and pivotal turning point in the economic and social plight faced by men and their families, particularly lesser-skilled men of color.
The publication also analyzes comparative information shared between New York and national survey responses. Based on the findings, the report closes with recommendations for the field, current and potential funders and policymakers concerned about males and their communities.
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- Copyright 2011 Thinking Man Consulting.
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