CBC Doc Zone - The End of Men (2010)

In the past 100 years, the idealized archetypes of masculinity have been largely unchanged. What Manliness is, what Manhood is, what a Man is, have been remarkably constant. Men are rugged individuals. They are resilient, brave and loyal. Running like a spine through these images of manhood is one defining theme: A man is the provider and protector of his family.

In the not too distant past, most men had a sense of certainty that they could fulfill those roles. They were confident about who they were, and where they belonged. But for many men the economic crisis that began in 2008 meant that fulfilling those masculine roles was suddenly a lot harder.

Economists believe that most of these jobs are gone for good, and because structural changes in the economy means that working age men are now facing years of unemployment rates far above the historical norm. Particularly hard hit are middle class men who are, for the first time, being exposed to the worst ravages of a severe economic downturn.

But the loss of jobs is a symbol of a larger story about men.

A story of a rapidly transforming world—a world in which many men find themselves in an uncomfortable new position: Playing defense.

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