The issue of adult men being unable to purchase homes and start families is a significant concern for the country, according to the author's statement to CNN.

A social scientist and author expressed concern to CNN about the declining trend of men in their 30s and 40s purchasing homes and starting families.

Richard Reeves, author of "Of Boys and Men," discussed with CNN host Michael Smerconish the social trend in America where many men are not meeting the expectations of adulthood that their parents set, such as owning a home or starting a family.

Reeves stated that the trend discussed in a recent Wall Street Journal article is significant, as it represents a change that many people are not reaching their milestones, not just later, but not at all.

He would continue by stating that the economic and social prospects of young men are the major concerns currently.

According to Reeves, the most concerning data he has seen is that men in their 30s and 40s without a college degree are increasingly not having children at home.

Reeves, the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, expressed concern that men are no longer reaching milestones, which is a troubling new dynamic.

"Forming a family and getting financially settled may be beneficial, but many people are not achieving these milestones."

He stated elsewhere, "I used to not worry about this delay, but now I am concerned because I believe we are shifting from 'This is simply happening later' to 'It's not happening at all.'"

Men are not intentionally abandoning family-related goals; rather, they feel they are unable to achieve them.

The issue is a blend of economics and culture, with young men in particular feeling economically disadvantaged, according to Reeves. He also noted that the gender divide in society exacerbates this problem.

"One in every three men under 30 is not in a relationship, while 24% of men in their 20s still reside at home."

To improve the economic prospects for young men, the expert recommended investing in an education system that works for men, promoting vocational training, apprenticeships, and combating flatlining male wages.

He suggested that lowering the temperature around certain cultural and political issues could help bridge the gap between young men and young women.

Reeves highlighted a societal oversight that has worsened the issue, stating, "we haven't established a culture that makes it simple for men and women to establish families, purchase homes, and begin their lives."