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The Right IdeaThe Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.. Author: Texas Public Policy Foundation
The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas. Language: en Genres: News, News Commentary, Politics Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The State of Marriage in America: Declining Rates, Pro-Family Policies, and Valentine's Day Horror Stories
Episode 109
Friday, 13 February, 2026
Just in time for National Marriage Week and Valentine's Day, TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the evolving landscape of marriage and family in America. Family policy experts Hannah Bruck and Noah Torres join to discuss declining marriage rates, fertility trends, cultural shifts like dating apps and "hetero fatalism," and pro-family policies to encourage family formation. This episode explores why fewer Americans are tying the knot and what policymakers can do about it.01:10 - Hot Take: Worst Valentine's Day Gifts04:20 - Guests Introduction: Hannah Bruck and Noah Torres 04:48 - Causes of Delayed Marriages: Technology, Dating Apps, and Economic Pressures 06:35 - What Young People Are Waiting For: Unrealistic Standards and Soulmate Myths 08:41 - Pro-Family Policy Philosophy: Family as the Core Unit of Society 14:10 - Cultural Communication: Convincing Young People Marriage Leads to Happiness 15:22 - Combating Social Media Echo Chambers and Influencer Lifestyles 17:07 - Who Are the Best Messengers? Celebrities, Pop Culture, and Community Leaders 18:56 - Role of Communities, Churches, and Friend Groups in Promoting Marriage 20:41 - The Success Sequence: Education, Job, Marriage – Path to Flourishing 21:44 - Pushback on Teaching Success Sequence in Schools 23:52 - Hetero Fatalism Explained: Why Boyfriends Are "Out" and Relationships Seen as Doomed 33:04 - Pushing Back: Policy and Culture to Restore Commitment 37:19 - Concern: Not Enough "Marriageable" People Due to Changing Expectations39:10 - High-Connection Couples: Key to Satisfaction and Happiness 40:44 - Dating Apps: Still Destroying Relationships? 42:03 - Hurdles to Having Kids: Costs, Housing, and Cultural Parenting Pressures 44:50 - Politics and Marriage: Polarization, Tribalism, and Government Incentives 47:44 - Dating Across Political Lines: Focus on Love Over Ideology 49:45 - Conservatives and Pro-Family Government Policies: Tax Credits and More 52:10 - Marriage Tips and Communication Advice 53:57 - Future of Family Success Project: Parental Rights, TANF Reform, AI in Families
