Episode Description: The Two-Parent Privilege: Exploring the Decline of Two-Parent Households

In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, economist Melissa Carney dives into the topic of two-parent households in the United States and the consequences of their decline. Drawing from her new book, "The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind," Carney sheds light on the economic security, increased resources, and improved outcomes that two-parent households provide for children and society.

Carney delves into the factors driving the decline of two-parent households, including economic inequality, shifting social norms, and the diminishing economic opportunities for non-college-educated men. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these factors to address the challenges faced by single-parent households and their children.

Throughout the episode, Carney proposes various policy solutions to combat the decline of two-parent households. These solutions include bolstering support for community colleges, expanding the earned income tax credit, and increasing funding for programs that strengthen safe and stable families.

In addition to Carney's insights, the episode features a segment from the Atlas Obscura podcast. This segment explores the concept of communal parenting in intentional communities like Twin Oaks, providing a unique perspective on alternative family structures.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of Freakonomics Radio to gain a deeper understanding of the decline of two-parent households in the U.S. and the potential solutions to address its consequences.

In her new book The Two-Parent Privilege, the economist Melissa Kearney says it’s time for liberals to face the facts: U.S. marriage rates have plummeted but the babies keep coming, and the U.S. now leads the world in single-parent households. Plus: our friends at Atlas Obscura explore just how many parents a kid can have.