The decline in marriage rates is driving significant economic issues in the U.S., as explored by Melissa S. Kearney. She presents a data-driven argument that the erosion of marriage has led to various economic challenges, exacerbating vulnerabilities in American society. Moving beyond traditional religious and values-based discussions, Kearney highlights that marriage positively impacts the economic and household stability of both adults and their children. The benefits of marriage are increasingly unevenly distributed, with studies indicating that the positive effects are more pronounced today than ever before. Kearney investigates the root causes of this marriage decline and suggests strategies to reverse the trend for future prosperity. Her research reveals that households with two married parents—common among the upper class but rare elsewhere—serve as economic engines that create disparities in opportunities for children. The growing divide in marriage and class exacerbates inequality, affecting not only children's educational and behavioral outcomes but also impairing adult men's roles in the workforce and society. While the two-parent home may seem like an outdated ideal, Kearney argues that marriage remains a vital pathway to a more equitable future. She critically assesses how family structure influences children's lives and the broader economy, emphasizing the urgent need for societal change.
