The Institute of Family Studies (IFS) and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) released a report in 2013 titled, Strong Families, Prosperous States: Do Healthy Families Affect the Wealth of States?” [1]

They argue that economists have paid too little attention to the “links between the household family structure and the macroeconomic outcomes of nations, states, and societies.” Ironically, the word economy derives from the Greek word oikonomia, which means “Management of the household.”

When it comes to the health of a country’s economy, people point fingers at many factors. Some of these factors include politicians, taxes, social benefits, and wars, just to name a few. While it is true these factors are influential, there is another very important factor: Marriages and Families.

According to the report, married couples and strong families influence a state’s standing on important categories such as violent crime, median wages, economic mobility, child poverty rates, and GDP, among others. All of these statistics are important factors that determine the economic status of a state.

Nebraska ranks well in the area of marriage and family compared to the rest of the U.S. – 7th out of 50. For example, 60% of adults (ages 25-59) in Nebraska are married. The national average is just 54%. Interestingly, there is a correlation between more religious and culturally conservative states and high “married parent” rankings.

This high marriage rank results in Nebraska having a more positive ranking in many other important categories. An example of this would be in the case of the child poverty rate. At 15%, Nebraska has a low child poverty rate which puts them in the bottom 30%, of all states.

In recent years, marriage rates across the country have decreased significantly. For example:

“In some states, the fraction of children being raised by married parents declined dramatically over the last four decades; indeed, states like Kentucky, Delaware, and West Virginia saw declines of more than 25 percent. In states such as Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Utah, the retreat from marriage has been less severe. These states have more education, higher median income for less-educated men, fewer racial minorities, and/or more religious, conservative populations than other states.”

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AEI and IFS give helpful insight into policy changes that could improve marriage percentages. One way is to slow the process of divorce. This includes extending the waiting period to finalize a divorce to one year (except in cases of abuse). This allows for couples to have more time to think about their decision and hopefully not get a divorce.

Another policy suggestion is to provide high quality education to divorcing couples interested in reconciliation and improving education opportunities for couples at risk of divorce.  Social and awareness campaigns could also be used to encourage the strengthening of marriages, particularly in young couples.

Strong marriages and families play a pivotal role in the economic health of our state. Here in Nebraska we must continue to strengthen marriage, not undermine it. Traditional values concerning marriage and family are good for the economy and good for our future.


Joey CarlJoey Carl

Joey is currently a Torchbearer Intern with Nebraska Family Alliance


[1] Wilcox, W. Bradford, Joseph Price, and Robert I. Lerman. “STRONG FAMILIES, PROSPEROUS STATES — Do Healthy Families Affect the Wealth of States?” STRONG FAMILIES, PROSPEROUS STATES (2013): n. pag. Www.aei.org. Web. 21 June 2016. <https://www.aei.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/IFS-HomeEconReport-2015-FinalWeb.pdf>.

Nebraska Family Alliance
Nebraska Family Alliance exists to advance family, freedom and life by influencing policy, mobilizing prayer, and empowering people.
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