Melissa Carney

Melissa Kearney, an Economics professor and author of "The Two-Parent Privilege," joins Abby McCloskey, a seasoned policy advisor, and Philip Cohen, a sociology professor, to discuss the evolving role of marriage in America. They explore how marriage trends correlate with family structure and economic inequality. The conversation highlights that while two-parent families often provide advantages, the quality of parenting is crucial. They also delve into how government policies can impact family dynamics and suggest the need for systemic reforms to support diverse family models.

Melissa Carney, an economics professor and director at the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, alongside Karen Benjamin Guzzo, a sociologist and director at the Carolina Population Center, explore the pressing issue of declining U.S. birth rates. They discuss the cultural and economic implications of low fertility and consider the proposed $5,000 baby bonus as a solution. The conversation dives into the complexities of family planning, societal expectations, and how modern financial pressures affect the decision to have children, highlighting the need for more supportive policies.

In this discussion, Melissa Carney, an economics professor at the University of Maryland, and Steve Levitt, an economist at the University of Chicago, dive into the complexities of child safety and family planning. They explore how mandatory car seats may unintentionally lower birth rates and how pandemic pressures are reshaping family dynamics. The guests also question the effectiveness of car seats versus adult seatbelts, revealing surprising data. They highlight the often-overlooked consequences of policies impacting childhood welfare.