In this episode, Kevin talks with Melissa Kearney, professor of economics at the University of Maryland, about her new book, The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind (University of Chicago Press, 2023). What is so great about being raised by two parents? When did marriage become a significant cause (and effect) of class distinctions? What can be done to restore the importance of marriage? How can we normalize the two-parent home without stigmatizing single mothers? Listen in as Kevin and Melissa tackle these questions, and many others, in this fascinating discussion about the economics of marriage.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

1:25 A Little About Melissa

7:55 The Two-Parent Privilege

26:45 Sponsor Break | Crossway

27:10 Charts, Numbers, and Trends

43:30 Sponsor Break | Desiring God

43:55 Social Norms

56:50 What’s Coming Up?

58:00 Until Next Time

Books & Everything:

The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind

Ministry in the New Realm: A Theology of 2 Corinthians

Foundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy