Honestly with Bari Weiss cover image

Honestly with Bari Weiss

Why Half of American Babies are Born to Unmarried Mothers

Dec 8, 2023
In this discussion, economist Melissa Kearney dives into the concept of 'two-parent privilege', highlighting its vital role in children's success. She reveals the alarming trend of nearly half of American babies being born to unmarried mothers and how this shift affects economic inequality. Kearney examines the link between marriage rates and class, revealing staggering disparities, especially among those without a college education. She advocates for societal changes to bolster family structures and support the well-being of children across communities.
01:20:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The decline in marriage rates is widening economic disparities, particularly for vulnerable populations without college degrees.
  • Boys growing up in single-parent households, especially without a father figure, face additional disadvantages and require targeted support.

Deep dives

The Declining Marriage Rates and its Economic Impact

The decline in marriage rates in America is driving many of the country's biggest economic problems today. The steep decline in marriage is widening the economic gap in opportunities and outcomes, rendering already vulnerable populations even more vulnerable. The increase in children living with unmarried parents is not due to divorce, but rather the trend of parents not getting married in the first place. This trend is particularly prominent for parents without college degrees, exacerbating class disparities. The economic advantages of a two-parent household, including increased income, more parental time and emotional support, lead to better outcomes for children, such as lower poverty rates, higher educational attainment, and improved overall well-being.

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