One possible reason is the change in the role of men and women in society. Women have become more independent minded, more financially independent as they develop their own careers and have a greater sexual and biological sense of freedom than in the past. As a result, the traditional role and image of the man is changing and young men may be very unsure of their role in modern society.
The late Professor Anthony Clarke referred to "masculinity in crisis" in his book 'On Men:Masculinity in Crisis'. I am going to quote some of his work in relation to this issue.
".. I learned very early on what a man does; his work is as important as, even more important than, who he is; that a man is defined in modern capitalistic society in terms of being not doing"
The role of provider is under siege and now the role of father is threatened. The rise in the number of single mothers suggests not merely that men are inadequate as partners and fathers but that they are simply redundant. Women are asserting that they can conceive and rear children on their own. These days, the don't even need men to father children with the development of assisted reproduction such as IVF, surrogacy etc..
The apparent lack of need for men to be providers and fathers begs the question, "What is the role of the man in society?"
Do you think the change in the role of men in modern society is a factor in the high level of male suicides?
Very interesting post, I definitely feel that this is an area that has been sadly overlooked in recent times, great that you are highlighting this.
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