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The Tikvah Podcast

Brad Wilcox on Americans without Families

Jan 10, 2025
Brad Wilcox, a sociologist and author, dives into the alarming rise of single, childless adults in America. He discusses how this demographic shift affects familial structures and societal well-being. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges of family-centric holidays for the kinless and contrasts religious and secular marital dynamics. Wilcox emphasizes the importance of strong family bonds and the cultural ramifications of prioritizing career over family life, urging a return to commitments that foster community and fulfillment.
41:03

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The increase in single, childless adults in America signifies a cultural shift that may impact social attitudes and values towards family formation.
  • Research links declining marriage rates to rising loneliness and decreased overall happiness, highlighting the importance of familial connections in emotional well-being.

Deep dives

Decline of Traditional Family Structures

There has been a significant decline in the traditional structure of families in America, particularly among adults aged 18 to 55. As of 2023, 38% of these adults are single and childless, surpassing the 32% who are married with children. This shift has various social implications, not only for those who are single but also for families that do exist, creating a divide in values and cultural attitudes. As American society moves towards a larger population of kinless adults, we may witness driving forces such as tax policies and community dynamics diverging between marriage-minded individuals and single adults.

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