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Policy

Well-being of Men & Boys

Utah is renowned for its strong economy, thriving families, vibrant faith communities, and civic health – key elements that contribute to a flourishing life. Yet data increasingly shows that a silent, struggling subset of men and boys may be drifting from these anchors, facing significant struggles in mental health, education and work opportunities, and a sense of purpose. Through the Men and Boys Well-being Initiative, Sutherland Institute produces quality research, convenes policy and community leaders, and advances solutions to bolster the opportunities and civic institutions that can help men and boys thrive.

Well-being of Men & Boys

Utah is renowned for its strong economy, thriving families, vibrant faith communities, and civic health – key elements that contribute to a flourishing life. Yet data increasingly shows that a silent, struggling subset of men and boys may be drifting from these anchors, facing significant struggles in mental health, education and work opportunities, and a sense of purpose. Through the Men and Boys Well-being Initiative, Sutherland Institute produces quality research, convenes policy and community leaders, and advances solutions to bolster the opportunities and civic institutions that can help men and boys thrive.

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As society debates what healthy masculinity means, Nic Dunn encourages men to define it as selflessness and a willingness to put others before oneself. Returning selflessness to masculinity

Returning selflessness to masculinity

In order to help men in society, we should work to reestablish positive anchors for men, encouraging healthy masculinity, says Nic Dunn. Rejecting toxic masculinity for a revival of healthy masculinity

Rejecting toxic masculinity for a revival of healthy masculinity

From Ep. 127: https://youtu.be/92z15ECIx7A Why are so many men feeling disconnected? Drawing on new survey data, Nic Dunn and Beth Akers examine purpose, masculinity, and the roles of family, faith, and community in helping men feel grounded and supported. Where men find purpose in a changing society

Where men find purpose in a changing society

According to new Sutherland survey data, a significant subset of men believe it to be a sign of weakness to discuss their mental health with a professional or loved one. Are men comfortable discussing their mental health?

Are men comfortable discussing their mental health?

From Ep. 127: https://youtu.be/92z15ECIx7A Nic Dunn and Beth Akers break down survey findings on men’s sense of purpose and identity, highlighting key differences between Utah and national responses and raising important questions about institutions, masculinity, and social connectedness. Why so many men feel alone

Why so many men feel alone

To be a healthy, masculine man today means recognizing and respecting your outward responsibilities to others, says Nic Dunn. What is the definition of masculinity today?

What is the definition of masculinity today?

From Ep. 127: https://youtu.be/92z15ECIx7A What’s behind the growing sense of disconnection among men? Nic Dunn and Beth Akers walk through new data on mental health, purpose, and belonging, and why the numbers raise important questions for policymakers and community leaders. Why men’s well-being deserves attention

Why men’s well-being deserves attention

There's a growing national discussion about how men are doing — economically, socially, and emotionally — and whether they face unique challenges related to purpose, connection, and opportunity in American life. In this episode, host Nic Dunn sits down with contributor Beth Akers to discuss new Sutherland/Y2 Analytics survey findings on the well‑being of men in America. While most men report satisfaction with health, work, family, and faith, the data reveals that a sizable subset struggle across each of these domains. They explore what the findings suggest about mental health, stigma, isolation, and the “anchors” that help men thrive — work, family, faith, and community — and what leaders and communities can do next. 0:00 Introduction 1:39 Why men’s well-being deserves attention 13:23 Why so many men feel alone 25:11 Where men find purpose in a changing society 43:25 Takeaways Show notes: Missing Anchors: How some men drift from health, vocation, and purpose https://sutherlandinstitute.org/reports/missing-anchors/ America's missing anchors: Why 1 in 3 men are struggling | Beth Akers

America's missing anchors: Why 1 in 3 men are struggling | Beth Akers

Describing the average annual income and overall earnings of apprenticeships, Zach Boren of Apprenticeships for America highlights the career potential. The financial benefits of apprenticeships #utpol #apprenticeships

The financial benefits of apprenticeships #utpol #apprenticeships

As society debates what healthy masculinity means, Nic Dunn encourages men to define it as selflessness and a willingness to put others before oneself. Returning selflessness to masculinity

Returning selflessness to masculinity

In order to help men in society, we should work to reestablish positive anchors for men, encouraging healthy masculinity, says Nic Dunn. Rejecting toxic masculinity for a revival of healthy masculinity

Rejecting toxic masculinity for a revival of healthy masculinity

From Ep. 127: https://youtu.be/92z15ECIx7A Why are so many men feeling disconnected? Drawing on new survey data, Nic Dunn and Beth Akers examine purpose, masculinity, and the roles of family, faith, and community in helping men feel grounded and supported. Where men find purpose in a changing society

Where men find purpose in a changing society

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