Episode 185: What Makes Families Strong?

In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Dr. Brad Wilcox, Catholic sociologist, professor and author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization. Learn about Dr. Brad’s sociological research on family dynamics, marriage, and parenting across different cultures, and his key findings on what makes families strong.

Discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Brad’s amazing work bringing a foundation of Catholic faith to the world of sociology
• The connection between family stability and societal health
• Practical insights on building a strong, resilient family
• The five pillars of a strong marriage: communion, children, commitment, cash and community
• The importance of forging a “we before me” approach to marriage
• The ways in which when marriages and families are strong, our country and communities are more likely to be flourishing
• The importance of prioritizing a “family first” approach to life rather than a “me first” approach to life
• Dr. Brad’s journey from the Episcopal Church to Catholicism
• The gift of having a job where the work is actually improving one’s personal growth and vocation

Resources mentioned or relevant: 

• Get Married, Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization by Dr. Brad Wilcox
• Go to the Institute for Family Studies to learn more and to access Dr. Brad’s books, articles, social media, and podcast interviews
• Gender and Parenthood: Biological and Social Scientific Perspectives by Dr. Brad Wilcox
• Learn more about gender complementarity:
  • Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women
  • Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other
  • Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis
  • 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity?
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