The true crisis impacting American families.

The Decline of Family Formation in America

When asked about the most pressing⁤ problem ‌facing American ​families, conservatives often point to the breakdown caused by the welfare state. While this is a ⁤valid concern,​ there is⁣ a larger issue looming ‌today: a lack of family formation.⁢ Fewer Americans are choosing to‌ get married and have⁤ children.

According to‌ professor Jean ‌M.⁢ Twenge’s book Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z,​ Millennials,​ Gen X, Boomers, and⁢ Silents—and What They Mean for America’s Future, birth‍ rates began​ to decline‌ with the⁤ shift⁤ from Gen X to Millennials. Fertility rates were on the rise before the Great ⁤Recession of 2008, but they⁤ sharply dropped afterward and ⁤have yet to recover,‍ as noted in a ‍recent Pew report.

In a recent​ documentary called “Birthgap,” data ‌scientist Stephen⁢ J. Shaw highlights ‌that the primary reason for falling birth rates ⁢is⁢ not that​ mothers are‌ having‍ fewer children,‍ but ‌rather the significant increase⁤ in the ‍number of women who⁣ remain ⁣childless. About 80% of ⁢these women⁢ wanted children but either never‌ found a partner or did not‍ do‌ so in‌ time. They were caught off guard,⁤ poorly educated⁤ about female fertility, and believed they ⁤had more time.

Part of this outlook ‍towards biology may stem from the perception that ⁣modern⁢ society has conquered ⁤nature through⁣ technology. In a world where customization is the norm, individuals expect their⁤ every desire to ​be ⁣met promptly. However, it is ‌challenging ⁢to accept‍ that even science has limitations, as exemplified by some reactions during⁢ the pandemic.

The Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage

Young singles today often prioritize other ⁤aspects of life before ‌dating. There is a prevailing belief ⁣that both partners ​should‌ establish themselves ​and gain life experiences​ before settling down. Marriage is seen ​as⁤ a “capstone” ⁣rather than a ⁢”cornerstone” of⁤ life, as sociologist Andrew J. Cherlin explains.

Furthermore, many young ‌people​ come from⁣ broken homes, ‌and ‍divorced ⁣parents may not‍ prioritize ​marriage or⁤ view it as the cornerstone​ of life. Only 62% of Millennials were raised by both parents, compared to higher percentages in previous⁤ generations. The broken families of one generation can lead to a lack of⁤ family formation in ​the ⁢next.

“The central finding of this study is⁢ that parental divorce impacts ‌detrimentally the⁣ capacity to love and ‍be loved within a lasting, committed relationship…In addition to overcoming their ⁣fear of failure, they⁤ have a great ‍deal to⁢ learn about ⁤the⁢ give and take of living with another person, about how‍ to deal with differences, and about how to ⁢resolve conflicts.”

Children of divorce ​may develop a pessimistic view ⁤of marriage and dismiss its ⁤importance for happiness. ‌They lack a​ healthy ​relationship model and ⁢struggle‌ to understand ⁤what to look for in a spouse and how to communicate effectively.

The “Boy Crisis” and its Impact

Individuals are delaying marriage and children not⁤ only due‍ to shifting attitudes but also because⁢ many​ struggle to find⁣ suitable partners. This is partly attributed‌ to the⁣ effects of the “boy crisis,” which is⁢ not limited⁢ to the⁣ United States but is observed in many developed countries.

More⁢ women are ⁣pursuing higher education than⁤ men, and they desire partners who​ are equally or more ⁣educated than them. For‍ example, women are ⁣91%​ more likely​ to show interest‌ in men with a master’s degree on‌ dating apps‌ like Tinder. Additionally, Millennials are making⁤ more money than previous generations, but this ‌increase ⁢is primarily driven by women’s incomes.

The boy crisis, as ⁢highlighted⁤ in books like‌ “The War Against Boys: How Misguided Policies Are Harming⁣ Our Young ⁤Men” and “The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We⁤ Can​ Do About It,” ‍can be traced back‌ to the absence of fathers. With 40%‌ of children ‌now born out of wedlock, ​boys ⁤are ⁣lagging academically, experiencing​ decreased ⁤lifespans ​and IQs, and‍ facing higher rates of substance abuse⁢ and suicide.

This absence of fathers and the lack of family formation create a vicious cycle.⁢ The impact ‍of fatherlessness is more severe for ⁣boys, affecting their economic future, emotional intelligence,​ and marital potential. Women desire mature partners and tend to marry those who are equal or above them in education and socioeconomic ‍status. When men struggle, women are left ‍without ⁤suitable life partners.

Under⁤ these​ circumstances,⁤ a hook-up culture becomes prevalent, facilitated by advancements like the birth control pill and online dating. This cycle leads to further delays in ⁢marriage as women, who are educated and financially⁤ independent, choose to pursue other opportunities rather ‍than settling for a partner they lack confidence⁣ in.

Addressing the⁣ Decline of ‍Family Formation

Strengthening American families requires ⁢adaptive thinking. While family policies cater to already formed families, addressing the decline ‍in ‌family formation requires a broader approach. It⁤ is crucial to ‍recognize the shift‍ in attitudes towards ​marriage and respond accordingly.

Responding​ to declining birth rates will not solely involve adjusting⁢ family-related policies⁢ like parental leave. ⁢It requires⁢ addressing underlying issues such as the boy crisis. By understanding the factors contributing to ⁢the decline of family formation, ​we can work towards saving the American family.

Brenda M. Hafera is ⁤the assistant director and senior policy analyst ⁤for the Simon Center for American⁢ Studies at The Heritage Foundation.

The views expressed in this piece are those of⁢ the author and do not⁢ necessarily represent those of‍ The Daily ⁤Wire.