At Malestrum, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about Gen Z’s mental health, employment struggles, and loss of direction. But what if the real crisis isn’t internal — it’s structural?
In this powerful TED Talk, NYU professor and entrepreneur Scott Galloway delivers a sobering diagnosis of how the U.S. is systematically stacking the odds against young people — especially young men. From housing prices to student debt to the job market, Galloway argues that today’s youth are inheriting an economy built to serve their parents, not their future.
Whether you're Gen Z, a parent, or just someone trying to understand this growing divide, this talk is essential viewing.
🔍 Key Takeaways:
- 💸 30-year-olds today are 24% less wealthy than their parents were at the same age — reversing centuries of progress.
- 🏠 Homeownership is out of reach for most young people, driven by real estate inflation and tax advantages that benefit older generations.
- 🎓 Elite universities restrict admissions to maintain exclusivity, driving inequality even while sitting on billion-dollar endowments.
- 👴 Political power is skewed: the average U.S. senator is nearly 65, while policies like Social Security and Medicare protect older Americans but ignore Gen Z needs.
- 🔁 Galloway’s proposed solutions: expand college capacity, build more housing, promote ranked-choice voting, and elect younger leaders.
🎯 Why We’re Sharing This
This TED Talk aligns closely with Malestrum’s mission: giving voice to the real obstacles facing today’s young men. Galloway’s research and plainspoken delivery make the uncomfortable truth clear — young people are getting a raw deal, and the system wasn’t built for them.
If you’re a young adult trying to find your footing — or a parent wondering why your kids are struggling — this talk is required viewing.
🌀 Malestrum isn’t just about opinions. It’s about understanding.
📥 Want more? Download our free Gen Z Resource Guide
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