Big Think Are children the losers of the sexual revolution? | Richard Reeves, Judith Butler, & more
Aug 27, 2025
Richard Reeves, a Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution, dives deep into the effects of the sexual revolution on modern relationships and family structures. He discusses how marriage has transitioned from societal obligation to personal choice, promoting egalitarian roles. However, he highlights troubling outcomes, particularly the rise in children raised in single-parent homes, and the impact of father absence. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective parenting and reexamines traditional views on male involvement in caregiving, advocating for more balanced family dynamics.
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Choice Replaced Obligation In Partnerships
- The sexual revolution shifted companionship to personal choice and dismantled traditional marital roles.
- This created freedom in partner selection and more egalitarian parenting expectations.
Monogamy's Social Role
- Monogamy historically supported social stability, lower abuse, and prosperity according to anthropological theories.
- Parenting quality and stable partnerships remain central to child outcomes regardless of social changes.
Children Benefit From Intact Households
- Richard Reeves argues children fare best when raised by married parents across many metrics.
- He links intact households to lower crime, teen pregnancy, and better academic outcomes.