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Freakonomics Radio
558. The Facts Are In: Two Parents Are Better Than One
Sep 21, 2023
Economist Melissa Kearney, a specialist in family economics and author of "The Two-Parent Privilege," challenges conventional views on parenting structures. She discusses the rising number of single-parent households in the U.S. and the economic impacts of family dynamics, especially on children's wellbeing. Joining her is Dylan Thuris, host of Atlas Obscura, who adds fascinating insights into historical communal living and shared parenting models, suggesting that collaborative care could redefine modern family dynamics and improve socio-economic conditions.
01:04:07
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Quick takeaways
- The increase in single-parent households in the United States has led to economic insecurity, fewer resources, and less time and emotional support for children, resulting in behavioral challenges, lower educational achievement, and lower earnings as adults.
- The concept of two-parent privilege is challenged, and communal child-rearing is explored as a beneficial alternative, as it provides support, work-life balance, and positive impacts on children's development.
Deep dives
The Rise of Single-Parent Households
The podcast episode discusses the increase in single-parent households in the United States and its implications. In 1960, only 5% of babies were born to unmarried parents, but today that number stands at 40%, with 70% for black babies. The rise in single-parent households has led to economic insecurity, fewer resources, and less time and emotional support for children. The children in these households are more likely to face behavioral challenges, struggle in school, achieve lower levels of education, and have lower earnings as adults. While various factors contribute to this trend, education emerges as a strong factor in maintaining two-parent households and economic security.
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