Across advanced economies, a growing number of men are becoming detached from the world of work , raising questions not only about employment, but also about purpose, identity and belonging.

The trend is particularly visible in the United States, where male workforce participation has declined significantly over several decades. According to figures cited in The Australian, 69.5 per cent of US men aged 20 and over were participating in the labour force in May, compared with 76 per cent two decades earlier.

The change is especially pronounced among men without university degrees. For some, traditional routes into adulthood,  stable employment, financial independence, home ownership, marriage and family life, have become increasingly difficult to achieve.

But the issue may go deeper than wages and job availability.

Work has historically provided people with more than an income. It offered routine, social connections, recognition, independence and a sense of contribution. When those functions disappear, people can lose an important source of identity and direction.

Psychiatrist and writer Tanveer Ahmed argues that some men who have withdrawn from employment are not necessarily incapable of working. Instead, they may feel that available work offers little status, progression or meaning.

Technology has also changed the equation. Gaming, social media, streaming platforms and online communities can provide entertainment, achievement and social interaction without requiring participation in traditional institutions. For someone already disconnected from work or education, these alternatives can make withdrawal easier to sustain.

The challenge is therefore not simply getting men into jobs. It is creating pathways that make participation feel worthwhile.

Education, vocational training, apprenticeships, mentoring and meaningful community involvement could all play a role, particularly for young men who feel disconnected from conventional pathways.

The debate also comes at an important moment as artificial intelligence and automation reshape the labour market. If work is increasingly separated from identity and purpose, societies may need to rethink what they offer people beyond a paycheque.

The central question is no longer simply “Why aren’t some men working?” It may be “What would make them want to participate again?”