Soulmates and Other Myths about the Family in America | Prof. Catherine Pakaluk
Dec 6, 2019
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Prof. Catherine Pakaluk challenges common myths about family dynamics in America, discussing the evolution of the soulmate model of marriage, economic mobility, factors affecting upward mobility like family structure, and the correlation between divorce rates and instances of abuse in domestic relationships.
Marriage dynamics are influenced by the 'soulmate model' prioritizing emotional satisfaction over tradition.
Divorce impacts children's emotional well-being and family stability in post-divorce or remarried families.
Female happiness decline despite educational progress highlights societal complexities impacting marriage patterns and voting behaviors.
Deep dives
Exploring Five Social Science Myths About Families
In this podcast episode, the speaker delves into five common myths about families in America identified through social science research. The speaker aims to challenge popular misconceptions and highlight noteworthy findings in social science related to marriage and family dynamics, progressing from individual family units to societal implications.
Debunking the Myth of Soulmates and Marriage
The podcast addresses the myth surrounding the concept of soulmates in marriage, emphasizing the shift towards a 'soulmate model' where emotional and romantic satisfaction takes precedence over traditional marital institutions. The discussion reveals how this shift can impact marriage dynamics and potentially undermine the foundational aspects of long-term relationships.
The Impact of Divorce on Children and Family Stability
The episode explores the myth of the 'good divorce' and delves into the long-term effects of divorce on children and family stability. By referencing research studies, the speaker highlights the emotional and psychological toll that divorce can have on children, underscoring the complexities and challenges faced by individuals growing up in post-divorce or remarried families.
Evaluating Gender Disparities and Changes in Societal Norms
The podcast discusses the paradoxical trends observed in female happiness and societal norms, particularly in the context of the women's movement. Insights from research studies indicate declining female happiness despite advancements in educational attainment, leading to an examination of work-life conflicts, fertility rates, and the influence of economic disparities on marriage patterns and voting behaviors.
Impact of Family Structure on Voting Patterns
The podcast delves into the correlation between demographic family structures and voting behavior, revealing that the family formation patterns have become a significant non-redundant determinant of voting patterns. This new trend emerged prominently in the 1990s and has persisted through recent elections, indicating a shift in the predictive nature of family structures on voting tendencies.
Family Structure and Economic Mobility
The episode discusses a study by economists Raj and colleagues funded by the Russell Sage Foundation, focusing on economic mobility and family structures. Their findings highlight that family structure, particularly the presence of single parents, significantly influences upward mobility. The research underscores the communal impact of family structures on children's chances of moving up the economic ladder, emphasizing the essential role of intact families in fostering economic advancement.
This lecture was given at the University of Utah on 14 November 2019.
Catherine Ruth Pakaluk (PhD, 2010) is an Assistant Professor of Social Research and Economic Thought at the Tim and Steph Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America. Formerly, she was Assistant Professor and Chair of the Economics Department at Ave Maria University. Her primary areas of research include economics of education and religion, family studies and demography, Catholic social thought, and political economy. Dr. Pakaluk is the 2015 recipient of the Acton Institute’s Novak Award, a prize given for “significant contributions to the study of the relationship between religion and economic liberty.”
Pakaluk did her doctoral work at Harvard University under Caroline Hoxby, David Cutler, and 2016 Nobel-laureate Oliver Hart. She has co-authored widely cited articles in social science and epidemiological journals, including Demography, Economic Inquiry, and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Beyond her formal training in economics, Dr. Pakaluk studied Catholic social thought under the mentorship of F. Russell Hittinger, and various aspects of Thomistic thought with Steven A. Long. She is a widely-admired writer and sought-after speaker on matters of culture, gender, social science, the vocation of women, and the work of Edith Stein. She lives in Maryland with her husband Michael Pakaluk and their eight children.
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