WHEN the American economy began to slow two years ago, it was women who were in more danger of losing jobs. Men, particularly those who were well educated and in the prime of their career, were more likely to remain employed.

That has now changed, with a vengeance. In the 12 months through February, the latest data available, unemployment rates for men rose at a faster pace than those for women, no matter what their education or age.

It has simply been harder for men to hold onto their jobs.

A year ago, in February 2008, men who had gone to college but did not earn a bachelor’s degree had an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, below the national rate of 4.5 percent.

But by this February, the rate for that group had more than doubled to 8.9 percent and was well above the national rate of 8.1 percent.