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Catholic social scientists are playing a crucial role in public discussions about marriage and family. Three prominent figures, Melissa Kearney, Catherine Pakaluk, and Brad Wilcox, recently appeared on the "Catholic in America" podcast to discuss their work and its implications for society.
Brad Wilcox, a sociologist from the University of Virginia, challenges cultural myths surrounding marriage in his book "Get Married." He argues that contrary to popular belief, marriage is not an obstacle to happiness. "Married people are almost twice as likely to be happy than singles," Wilcox states. He highlights that the benefits of marriage extend beyond personal happiness and are essential given the decline in marriage rates over the past 50 years.
Catherine Pakaluk, an economist at The Catholic University of America, addresses declining birth rates in her book "Hannah’s Children." She interviewed 55 women who chose to have large families despite societal pressures against it. Pakaluk emphasizes the need for state support of religious communities that value children as gifts from God. Her research suggests that if society desires more children for practical reasons, it must support these values.
Melissa Kearney from the University of Maryland explores child well-being in her book "The Two-Parent Privilege." She provides evidence that children raised in stable two-parent families have significant advantages. These include better educational outcomes and reduced likelihoods of involvement with the criminal justice system. Kearney's work refutes myths suggesting children fare better post-divorce when parents remain unhappy together.
These scholars exemplify how Catholics can utilize social science research to advocate for traditional family structures. Their efforts demonstrate how faith-guided inquiry can contribute positively to public debates and policy development.
Jason Adkins hosts "Catholic in America," a podcast exploring issues related to faithful citizenship today. The podcast is available on major platforms or at catholicinamerica.osvpodcasts.com.
