The article criticizes the Trump administration's pronatalist policies for their narrow focus on the traditional nuclear family, which is no longer the majority in the US. It highlights the declining birth rates and changing household structures in America.
The author argues that a successful pronatalist policy should be inclusive of all family structures, not just married couples. The current focus is seen as a moral and strategic mistake, as it ignores the struggles faced by many Americans who want children but are unable to have them due to various reasons, including financial constraints, lack of partners, and difficulty accessing assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Research shows that while two-parent households are often associated with better outcomes for children, this is not universal. Access to resources plays a crucial role, as research from Harvard University sociologist Christina Cross reveals, highlighting inequalities based on race, income level, and family structure.
Decades of research by Susan Golombok from the University of Cambridge shows that the quality of relationships within the family and societal acceptance are more important for children's well-being than the family structure itself. This research is often overlooked by policymakers.
The article suggests several ways to improve family support, including:
The author concludes that the Trump administration's focus on a narrowly defined family structure is regressive. A truly family-forward agenda should be inclusive and address the needs of all families, providing broader support for parenthood regardless of structure.