Marriage on the Rocks (Robert Wright & Conn Carroll)
Dec 19, 2024
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Conn Carroll, author of "Sex and the Citizen" and former communications director for Senator Mike Lee, discusses the direct link between marriage and democracy. He delves into historical shifts in marital norms, exploring why the West embraced monogamy and its impact on societal equality. Carroll highlights how monogamous structures promote democratic ideals while contrasting them with practices in polygamous societies. Their conversation also touches on media's role in shaping views on marriage today, weaving in cultural reflections from works like 'Sex and the City'.
The podcast explores the historical evolution of marriage, highlighting how shifts from promiscuity to monogamy shaped human relationships and societal norms.
It emphasizes the significant mental health benefits of marriage, linking stable family structures to lower rates of depression and community well-being.
Deep dives
A Historical Perspective on Marriage
The discussion elaborates on the evolution of marriage throughout human history, dividing it into three significant sexual revolutions. The first revolution transitioned humanity from promiscuity to monogamy, creating a crucial aspect that defined human relationships. Following this, the shift from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian ones led to polygamous norms, predominantly from the accumulation of wealth and power by a few men. The final revolution, emerging with the spread of Christianity, saw a return to monogamy established as the cultural norm through various historical and societal changes.
The Impact of Marriage on Society
The podcast emphasizes the essential role of marriage in promoting mental health and social stability among individuals. Research shows that married people experience significantly lower rates of depression and substance abuse compared to their unmarried counterparts. Notably, the deterioration of the traditional family structure has correlated with rising societal challenges, demonstrating the importance of reinforcing the institution of marriage for overall community well-being. The evidence suggests that both children and adults benefit significantly from living in a stable, married household.
Trends in Modern Marriage
Recent trends indicate a declining marriage rate, particularly among less educated populations. While the rate of marriage appears to have stabilized or improved for college-educated individuals, it continues to fall below 50% among those without higher education. This divide is further complicated by ideological differences: progressive individuals are less likely to marry compared to conservative counterparts. The conversation also addresses how younger generations are increasingly hesitant about marriage, often citing economic and societal challenges, such as climate change, as reasons for their reluctance.
Policy Recommendations for Strengthening Marriage
Towards the end of the episode, the speaker discusses policy prescriptions aimed at bolstering the institution of marriage and family in society. These suggestions revolve around enhancing awareness of the benefits of marriage and addressing societal issues that hinder family formation. The book offers insights into how policymakers can support families through various initiatives, thus contributing to a healthier democratic society. The overarching goal is to highlight the essential nature of marriage in building social capital and fostering communal trust.
Conn and the ancestry of this podcast ... Conn’s new book, Sex and the Citizen: How the Assault on Marriage Is Destroying Democracy ... Modern matrimony by the numbers ... Are monogamous societies more egalitarian? ... Why the West went monogamous ... Heading to Overtime ...
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