The Two-Parent Privilege: How the decline in marriage has increased inequality and lowered social mobility, and what we can do about it

The Two-Parent Privilege, by Melissa S. Kearney, argues that the decline of marriage has led to economic woes, with the greatest impacts being economic. Kearney's research shows that a household with two married parents functions as an economic vehicle that advantages some children over others, leading to increasing inequality and opportunity gaps. She suggests that marriage may be our best path to a more equitable future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Swift Press

In her book "The Two-Parent Privilege," Melissa S. Kearney makes a compelling and data-driven argument for marriage by highlighting the negative consequences of the decline of this institution. Kearney departs from traditional religious and values-based arguments and instead focuses on the economic benefits of marriage. She demonstrates that when two adults marry, their economic and household lives improve, leading to a range of advantages for both the married adults and their children. Studies show that these effects are more pronounced and unevenly distributed than ever before.

Kearney's research, which spans over a decade, includes original work that sheds light on the economic advantages of two-parent households. She argues that these households, which are increasingly rare among most people, function as economic vehicles that provide certain children with advantages over others. As marriage trends continue to decline and class disparities persist, the compounded effects on inequality and opportunity become increasingly concerning.

For many, the two-parent home may be a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era. However, "The Two-Parent Privilege" makes it clear that marriage, despite its challenges and imperfections, holds the potential to lead us toward a more equitable future. By examining the critical role that family makeup plays in shaping children's lives and futures, Kearney provides a critical assessment of the consequences of a decline in marriage for an economy and society. She offers practical solutions and recommendations for policymakers and individuals to address these issues and work towards a brighter future for all.

Weight: 429g
Dimension: 162 x 243 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800753747