Guyland: Gen Y ‘Guys’ Are Stuck

Welcome to Gen Y Guyland, where you can take part in binge drinking, casual sex and a series of dead end jobs.

According to a recent Newsweek article, there are over 22 million young men ages 16-26 who have entered this evolving phase of American “guyland.” With these ‘guys’ composing more than 15 percent of the total male population in the United States, this reported lack of responsibility is alarming.

The article highlights the book Guyland written by sociologist Michael Kimmel. According to his web site, the book is:

based on more than 400 interviews over a four-year spam with young men, ages 16-26. Kimmel’s study shows that the guys who live in “Guyland” are mostly white, middle-class, totally confused and cannot commit to their relationships, work or lives. Although they seem baffled by the riddles of manhood and responsibility, they submit to the “Guy Code,” where locker-room behaviors, sexual conquests, bullying, violence and assuming a cocky jock pose can rule over the sacrifice and conformity of marriage and family.

Seems a little extreme.

Despite the hype and language used to describe his book, I think Kimmel does highlight aspects of a sociocultural trend in American culture. Kimmel describes the Guyland lifestyle in his Today Show interview.

Kimmel highlights three recent changes in American culture that has lead to this Guyland lifestyle:

1. Longevity- People are living longer than ever in the past. While previous generations had to marry and start a family in their late teens and early twenties, Gen Y has the luxury of establishing careers and finances as a priority.  Kimmel says that young men don’t see the point of settling down with a stable job and relationship when that can wait a couple of years.
2. Helicopter Parenting- Gen Y has been micromanaged by their parents, often causing negative effects as they transition to young professionals.  
3. Roles of Women- Gen Y women are professional and competent. Kimmel says that Gen Y men are often intimidated and confused by these changing gender roles.

I think there is a transformation of young American men. With the likes of Tucker Max, there does seem to be a trend of idolizing the stereotypical frat boy, even ten years post grad. But who is to say this is just a male phenomena? I think the Sex and the City mentality could be just as pervasive. Is female empowerment, both in career and personal life, indirectly hurting our Gen Y men?

What do you think about the concept of Guyland?

-Carla