For the first time in history, young women aged 16-24 are out-earning their male peers, marking a dramatic reversal of the traditional gender pay gap. This shift has prompted UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting to declare a "crisis in masculinity," leading to new policy initiatives focused on men's and boys' wellbeing.
The change stems from boys' educational underperformance across all levels - from GCSEs to university degrees. Women now outperform men academically, increasingly dominate high-paying fields like medicine and law, and are more likely to be employed than their male counterparts. Meanwhile, more young men are neither in education nor employment.
However, boys still excel at the highest levels of STEM subjects, suggesting potential that's not being fully realised in mainstream education.
This trend could reshape workplace demographics, with women potentially dominating professional sectors while men face reduced opportunities in traditional industries. Addressing boys' educational challenges now will be crucial for maintaining a balanced, skilled workforce.