The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has identified a 'success sequence' that significantly boosts boys' chances of financial stability in adulthood. Polling of 2,100 UK adults revealed that men who followed the sequence—completing education, entering work, marrying, and then having children—were more than twice as likely to describe themselves as 'living comfortably' or 'doing all right' (69%) compared to just 28% of those who did not follow it.
Men Aged 25-34 See Even Greater Benefits
Among men aged 25 to 34 who completed the sequence, 86% reported a positive financial situation, versus 33% of those who had not. The report, titled 'Boy to Man', is backed by former Royal Marine and ex-defence minister Al Carns. He stated: 'Boys need guidance. Not vague sympathy or slogans… If we want better men, we must help boys become them.'
Impact on Household Income
Only one in 20 men and women aged 25 to 34 who followed the full sequence reported a household income below £21,000, compared to one in three of those who completed none of the sequence. Additionally, 87% of those aged 28 to 34 who completed education, secured employment, and got married were in the middle or top third of the household income distribution. The CSJ notes this aligns with US research showing 97% of young adults who follow the full sequence avoid poverty.
Concerns Over 'Lost Boys'
The findings come amid rising concern about 'lost boys' facing poor life chances. The proportion of young men not in work, education, or training has risen almost four times as quickly as for women since 2019. Luke Taylor, a senior researcher at the CSJ, said: 'Too much of the debate around the role of boys continues to focus on the problems. Phrases like “toxic masculinity” and the “manosphere” dominate public discourse, but we still fail to recognise the unique contributions and positive attributes of young men. At best, this leads us to misunderstand them. At worst, it leads us to demonising them. It creates a script for young men that is a series of “do nots” rather than a positive and ambitious vision for what being a man can be.'
Policy Recommendations
The CSJ calls for teaching 'success sequences' in schools, alongside a new 'right to sport' for all secondary pupils—guaranteeing at least two hours of extracurricular sport weekly. It also wants expansion of male mentorship initiatives, including male teachers, coaches, pastoral workers, and local professionals. The think tank recommends creating a competitive 12-month military service year for 18-year-olds as a prestigious post-school option.
Government Response
A Government spokesperson said: 'The one million young people not earning or learning is one of the defining challenges of this government. Fixing it is crucial to the prosperity of our country: we cannot afford to let a generation of young people drift away from opportunity and more fulfilled lives. We're rewiring the whole education system, from driving the largest attendance increases in a decade to our once-in-a-generation reforms to fix the broken SEND system, and identifying risk factors earlier so we can target better interventions. This comes as we're investing £2.5 billion to create 500,000 new jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities for young people through our Youth Guarantee—including a guaranteed job for 18-24 year olds out of work for 18 months.'
