Modern Wisdom – #689 – Melissa Kearney – The Terrifying Impact Of Single-Parent Households

Intro

In this episode of the “Modern Wisdom” podcast, host Chris Williamson welcomes Melissa Kearney, an economist and professor at the University of Maryland, to discuss the terrifying impact of single-parent households. Kearney shares insights from her research and her book, “The Two Parent Advantage,” which explores the decline of the two-parent family and its impact on society. The conversation delves into the reasons behind the increase in single-parent households, the consequences for children growing up in these households, and the implications for social mobility and inequality.

Main Takeaways

The Impact of Single-Parent Households

• Single-parent households are massively worsening class divides.
• Kids who grow up with only one parent face various problems.
• Children in single-parent households are 5 times more likely to live in poverty.
• Boys from single-parent households are more likely to act out and get in trouble in school, leading to involvement with the criminal justice system.
• Family structure and class divide accentuate inequality and undermine social mobility.

Decline in Marriage Rates

• Declining marriage rates are driving the increase in single-parent households.
• Many men and women do not want to marry for various reasons.
• The decline in marriage and birth rate are correlated with single-parent households.
• Marriage rates have significantly declined in the US and other high-income countries, particularly outside the college-educated class.
• The norms around marriage and having kids shifted in the 60s and 70s, making cohabitation and children outside of wedlock more socially acceptable.

Economic Factors and Social Norms

• Economic shocks, such as import competition from China and technological developments, eliminated many well-paying middle-class jobs for non-college educated individuals, leading to a decrease in marriage and an increase in single-parent households.
• College-educated individuals are more likely to have stable jobs and see themselves as reliable financial partners, making marriage more attractive.
• Outside of the college-educated class, economic struggles and a weaker value proposition for marriage have led to fewer people getting married.
• Women in some communities are putting having kids before getting married because of economic reasons.
• There is a crisis of men in the country if it is presumed that all non-married dads are not positive contributors to the household.

Importance of Two-Parent Households

• Children from married-parent households have more income and access to better neighborhoods and schools.
• Boys receive less investment, parental input, and nurturing parenting compared to girls.
• The proportion of single fathers in a neighborhood is the single biggest predictor of whether a black boy climbs the economic ladder into adulthood.
• Fatherhood plays an important role in teaching boys through rough and tumble play and setting rules.
• Cohabiting couples do not provide the same level of stability and support as married couples, especially for children outside the college-educated class in the US.

Summary

The Impact of Single-Parent Households

Melissa Kearney highlights the alarming consequences of single-parent households, particularly in exacerbating class divides. Children growing up with only one parent face various challenges, including higher poverty rates and increased likelihood of behavioral issues. The lack of a two-parent household accentuates inequality and hinders social mobility.

Decline in Marriage Rates

Kearney discusses the factors contributing to the decline in marriage rates, including changing societal norms and economic considerations. Marriage rates have significantly decreased, especially among those outside the college-educated class. The acceptance of cohabitation and children outside of wedlock has shifted the traditional norms around marriage and family.

Economic Factors and Social Norms

The decline in marriage and increase in single-parent households can be attributed to economic challenges faced by non-college educated individuals. The loss of well-paying middle-class jobs and weaker financial prospects have made marriage less attractive for many. Additionally, women in certain communities prioritize having children before getting married due to economic reasons.

Importance of Two-Parent Households

Kearney emphasizes the advantages of two-parent households, such as higher income, better access to resources, and improved outcomes for children. Boys, in particular, benefit from the presence of a father figure, receiving guidance through rough and tumble play and the establishment of rules. Cohabiting couples do not provide the same level of stability and support as married couples, especially for children outside the college-educated class in the US.

Conclusion

The rise of single-parent households poses significant challenges to society, exacerbating inequality and hindering social mobility. Understanding the factors contributing to the decline in marriage rates and the importance of two-parent households is crucial for addressing these issues and creating a more equitable future.