Author Mark W. Sutton stopped by our set at Netroots Nation 2024 to discuss the rationale for the Democratic Party’s efforts to attract men. He discussed his book How Democrats Can Win Back Men.
Mark W. Sutton has a proactive message.
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Identity and demographics play a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes, Mark W. Sutton’s message comes as both a strategic blueprint and a moral imperative. His book, How Democrats Can Win Back Men, is a call to action for the Democratic Party to address an alarming trend: the consistent loss of male voters over the past five decades. This trend, Sutton argues, is not just a matter of political strategy but also a reflection of broader societal issues that must be addressed if the party is to fulfill its mission of inclusivity and equity.
Sutton’s discussion reveals a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to the issue. He acknowledges the undeniable fact that Democrats have increasingly become the party of women while the Republicans have dominated the male vote. This gender gap has had significant electoral consequences. As Sutton points out, whenever Democrats lose the male vote by more than 8%, they lose the election. This statistic should serve as a wake-up call for the party, not just because it impacts their chances of winning, but because it highlights deeper societal issues that the party must address.
Sutton’s analysis goes beyond mere numbers. He emphasizes that the Democratic Party’s failure to connect with male voters is symptomatic of larger societal issues. Men, regardless of race, age, or sexual orientation, are facing lower outcomes in various aspects of life. Men are falling behind educationally, with women now making up 60% of university students. Health outcomes for men are also troubling, with life expectancy for men being nearly six years shorter than for women. Moreover, men account for 78% of suicides in the United States, a stark statistic that underscores the urgent need for mental health support targeted at men.
These issues are not just abstract statistics but real problems affecting real people. As Sutton suggests, the Democratic Party must take a more proactive stance in addressing these issues. He proposes practical solutions, such as creating an Office of Men’s Health and Well-being, which could focus on addressing men’s unique health challenges. This office could serve as a central point for coordinating efforts to reduce male suicides, address the opioid crisis (which disproportionately affects men), and improve educational outcomes for boys and young men.
Sutton’s message is not one of exclusion or competition. He is clear that advocating for men’s issues does not mean abandoning the fight for women’s rights or other marginalized groups. On the contrary, Sutton’s all-demographic strategy is about inclusion—ensuring that every group, including men, feels that the Democratic Party supports them and listens to their concerns. This approach aligns with the party’s values of equity and justice, reinforcing the idea that helping one group does not mean neglecting another.
One of the most striking aspects of Sutton’s discussion is his call for Democrats to embrace the language of male advocacy. Too often, the discourse around men’s issues is dominated by conservative voices who use it to further a regressive agenda. By contrast, Sutton argues that progressives should not shy away from discussing men’s issues but instead frame them within the broader context of social justice. For instance, the prison industrial complex is a significant issue that disproportionately affects men, particularly men of color. Addressing this issue through a gender lens can help highlight the intersections of race, class, and gender, thereby broadening the appeal of Democratic policies to male voters.
Moreover, Sutton addresses the misconception that advocating for men’s issues somehow upholds patriarchy or white supremacy. He is quick to debunk this myth, arguing that many men do not benefit from the patriarchal structures in society. Just because men have historically held positions of power does not mean that all men are empowered. Many men, particularly those from working-class backgrounds or marginalized communities, are struggling. Sutton calls for the Democratic Party to recognize and address these struggles through targeted policies.
Sutton’s proactive message is both timely and necessary. As the Democratic Party looks ahead to future elections, it must consider broadening its appeal to male voters without compromising its commitment to women’s rights and social justice. Sutton’s all-demographic strategy offers a roadmap for doing this, emphasizing that inclusivity should be the cornerstone of the party’s platform.
Mark W. Sutton’s work challenges the Democratic Party to rethink its approach to gender and politics. His call for a more inclusive strategy that addresses the needs of all demographics, including men, is not just about winning elections—it is about fulfilling the party’s moral responsibility to create a more just and equitable society. As the party moves forward, it would do well to heed Sutton’s message and ensure that no group feels left behind in pursuing progress.
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