Basil Jarrett | Educating young men for stronger marriages

LAST WEEK’S article took aim at the contentious issue of marriages in Jamaica and explored further, the growing divide between young men and women as it relates to relationships and children. The article examined how other parts of the world are reimagining marriage in order to help stem declining birth rates, and to foster healthy, even if unconventional relationships.

Jamaica’s marriage and fertility rate problems are due largely to women, having excelled and achieved academically and professionally, being unable to find partners who match their levels of achievement. Fewer men, they say, are measuring up, leading to a rising tide of single women – and men – who are ill-prepared for the demands of modern marriage.

So, how do we fix this? Well last week, four unconventional solutions to the dilemma were offered. But perhaps, one of the simplest but most transformative strategies is to educate and empower our young men to become better partners. Better-educated men make better potential husbands, not just because of their economic stability, but because education can foster qualities that are essential for healthy, sustainable relationships. You know, things like empathy, responsibility and emotional intelligence.

EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON MARRIAGE

Let’s start by acknowledging the troubling statistics. Across developed nations, young men are lagging behind women in education. In the European Union, for instance, 46 per cent of young women earn degrees, compared to just 35 per cent of young men – a gap that has doubled since 2002. In Jamaica, this disparity is also evident, with women consistently outperforming men in both secondary and tertiary education. The consequences are significant. Up to 80 per cent of our tertiary graduates are women who will naturally go on to seek partners who are their equals. In other words, men who make sense, they say. But as more men fall behind academically, the pool of suitable partners shrinks, leading to a breakdown in traditional marriage patterns.

But education isn’t just about degrees and job prospects. It’s about equipping individuals with the skills and mindset to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Men who are better educated are more likely to delay impulsive decisions – like proposing – and should have a clearer understanding of the role that communication and compromise play in successful relationships. In short, they make better husbands. Conversely, men who drop out of school or fail to pursue higher education often struggle to find steady employment, which can lead to frustration, resentment, and a feeling of inadequacy. These men are less likely to marry, and when they do, their marriages are often fraught with tension over money, power, and responsibility.

THE CHANGING ROLE OF WOMEN

While this is happening, women’s roles in society are also evolving, as are their expectations for marriage. No longer content to settle for partners who cannot match their ambitions, women are increasingly choosing to remain single rather than marry men who do not meet their emotional and intellectual needs. A marriage built on inequality – where the man is less educated, less employed, and less emotionally mature than his wife – is often doomed to failure.

Besides, an educated man is more likely to view his partner as an equal, to communicate effectively, and to support his partner’s career and personal goals. This creates a partnership that is built on mutual respect and shared responsibilities – qualities that are essential for a long-lasting marriage.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

But what about those men who cannot pursue a university degree? Here then, there is a clear need for more vocational training programmes that provide pathways to stable, well-paying jobs. In Jamaica, many young men are disillusioned with the traditional education system, but vocational training offers a practical alternative that can lead to successful careers in fields such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work – careers that are in high demand and can provide a solid income.

Vocational training can also help break down gender barriers by encouraging men to consider careers that they might have previously shunned, such as nursing or education. These fields are not only stable and rewarding but also provide opportunities for men to develop the emotional intelligence and nurturing skills that are increasingly valued in modern marriages. When young men are equipped with the skills to succeed in these non-traditional fields, they become more attractive partners who can contribute not only financially but also emotionally to their relationships – in theory at least.

MALE MENTORSHIP AND ROLE MODELS

Another crucial element in closing the marriage gap is the presence of strong male role models. As stated by our Ministry of Education, the lack of male teachers in primary and secondary schools is a significant issue here, as many young boys grow up without positive male figures in their lives. By increasing the number of male teachers and mentors in schools, we can help young boys see the value of education and understand that success is not defined solely by physical strength or toughness, but by intelligence, empathy, and perseverance.

Male mentorship programmes can also play a vital role in helping young men navigate the transition to adulthood. These programmes can provide guidance on everything from career choices to relationship advice, helping young men develop the skills they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. When young men have positive role models to look up to, they are more likely to make responsible choices and to become the kinds of partners that modern women are looking for.

THE FUTURE

At the heart of the marriage conundrum in Jamaica is the need to create a generation of men who are prepared to meet the challenges of modern marriage. This means investing in education and vocational training, promoting gender equality in the workplace and at home, and providing young men with the mentorship and support they need to succeed.

Major Basil Jarrett is a communications strategist and CEO of Artemis Consulting. Visit him at www.thecrisismajor.com or send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com