Defending Ideas20 Juli 2023

Why the "Utah Family Miracle" Could Be at Risk, and How to Preserve It

Utah has enjoyed a longstanding perch atop various state economic and societal rankings, including job growth, happiness, upward mobility, and more. New research shows how that success is tied to the stability of Utah families, and why the decline in some key indicators of family structure should concern you.

Sutherland Institute Visiting Scholar Brad Wilcox joins the podcast to discuss his new report: "The Utah Family Miracle: Five Policy Ideas to Keep Utah Families Strong and Stable."

The report - issued jointly with Institute for Family Studies and co-authored by Jenet Erickson and Patrick Brown - unveils how marriage and family structure are significant contributors to Utah’s best-in-the-nation status for things like economic opportunity, happiness, and strong civic and social life. The report explores the significance of data showing that marriage and family formation are on the decline. It also offers five concrete policy recommendations to Utah policymakers that will maintain and build upon Utah’s success as a national leader for strong families and a vibrant economy.

In addition to his role with Sutherland, Brad is the director of the National Marriage Project, a professor of sociology at University of Virginia, a senior fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Additional show notes:

Access the full report here.
Read "The ‘Utah family miracle’ and why it matters," originally published in Deseret News
Visit the Sutherland family policy issues page: Policy | Family - Sutherland Institute
Utah survey data on working parent preferences: Parents want more time with their kids. We should find ways to help them - Sutherland Institute

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, by equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(159)

Why America needs a principled center-right | Todd Weiler

What can Utah teach America about the future of conservatism? On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Todd Weiler, the new president and CEO of Sutherland Institute and a member of...

11 Aug 38min

Why our children need more education choices | Shaka Mitchell & Christine Cooke Fairbanks

No two children learn exactly the same way. So why should families be expected to rely on a one-size-fits-all education system? In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn speaks with Shaka Mitchell ...

4 Aug 43min

Should county clerks be nonpartisan? | Kevin Johnson & Brian McKenzie

We want referees to enforce the rules, not play for one team. Should the same principle apply to county clerks and elections officials? In this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nick Dunn sits down wit...

28 Juli 39min

How the federal government keeps expanding its power | Kevin Williamson & Bill Duncan

Why does the federal government keep expanding into every corner of our lives? It's not always by passing new laws. Guidance documents, letters, handbooks, and informal directives from federal agencie...

21 Juli 42min

Understanding the Supreme Court’s biggest decisions in 2026 | Dr. Matthew Brogdon & Bill Duncan

The Supreme Court has spoken. And the internet has some...interesting opinions. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Utah Valley University's Senior Director of the Center for Constitutional Studies Dr...

14 Juli 38min

The human benefits of AI | Shoshana Weissmann

Is artificial intelligence something to fear—or a tool to help us thrive?In this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn talks with Shoshana Weissmann, Digital Director and Policy Advisor at Abundan...

7 Juli 39min

The Future of Conservatism: Principles, Populism, and the American Founding | Tim Chapman

Conservatism is at a crossroads. Does it stick with Trump-style populism, or embrace the principles of limited, effective government that led to some of the movement's biggest victories?In this episod...

30 Juni 50min

The U.S. needs a new safety net | Angela Rachidi

Congress is considering a major anti-poverty reform: giving states more flexibility to redesign welfare and social safety net programs.In this episode, AEI Senior Fellow Angela Rachidi joins host Nic ...

23 Juni 44min