2/6 Bridging America’s Social Capital Divide - THE CASE

“When it comes to some of the most intimate decisions in a person’s life—how and when to form a family—it is important to be humble about the limits of public policy.”4
– Richard Reeves, Brookings Institution

Forging a strong family remains a key American value. For instance, three out of four high school seniors say having a strong marriage is “extremely important” to them. Most unwed Americans in their 20s and 30s aspire to marry and start a family.

And yet, marriage rates vary significantly by education and income. This suggests impediments stand in the way of working-class and poor Americans when it comes to realizing their own marriage and family aspirations. Public policy should help Americans realize those aspirations.

Strong families serve the common good. They have a formative impact on childhood development and also benefit adults, society, and the economy. Policymakers must be mindful of whether policy helps or hinders the formation of the stable families so integral to the success of the American experiment.