In a thought-provoking event hosted by the Marriner S. Eccles Institute for Economics and Quantitative Analysis, economist and author Melissa Kearney delved into the profound advantages children gain from having two married parents. The event centered around Kearney’s insightful book, “The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind,” where she skillfully presents a data-driven case for the economic benefits of two-parent households.

The Economic Impact of Declining Marriage Rates

Kearney began by highlighting a “dramatic shift” in family structure over the past four decades. The percentage of children growing up in two-parent households has declined from 77% in 1980 to 63% in 2020. Notably, this decline is more evident among households where women are less educated, contributing to what Kearney terms the “family gap.”

The Advantages of Two Parents

Drawing from mounds of data, Kearney demonstrated the wealth of resources two parents bring. Financial support, time, and emotional bandwidth collectively contribute to better outcomes for children. Kearney emphasized that this isn’t about blaming or devaluing single parents, recognizing the inherent challenges of raising children alone.

Solutions and Recommendations

During the event, Kearney presented practical solutions to address the challenges posed by declining marriage rates:

• Fostering a Norm of Two-Parent Homes: Encouraging a societal norm that recognizes and values the advantages of two-parent households.
• Improving Economic Positions: Kearney suggested enhancing the economic positions of men without a college degree, making them more appealing as marriage partners.
• Meeting Families Where They Are: Scaling up programs that strengthen families and improve outcomes, acknowledging the diversity of family structures.
• Building a Stronger Safety Net: Regardless of family structure, Kearney advocated for a stronger safety net through programs like child tax credits, school lunch, and nutrition programs.

Looking Beyond Economics

Kearney was clear that while economics plays a role, true change requires a broader shift in societal norms and attitudes toward marriage. It’s not just about government checks; it’s about recognizing the unique contributions that a second parent can bring to a household.

In a world where the dynamics of family structures are evolving, Melissa Kearney’s exploration of the two-parent advantage serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations. The event was not just an economic analysis but a call to promote and expand marriage as an institution that can positively shape the lives of individuals and, ultimately, society. As Kearney aptly put it, it’s about unlocking the two-parent advantage for the flourishing of future generations.

Related media: Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribute, KSL, Daily Chronicle