Home Economics: The Consequences of Changing Family Structure

by Nick Schulz

Since the 1950s, divorces and out-of-wedlock births in America have risen dramatically. This has significantly affected the economic wellbeing of the country’s most vulnerable populations. In Home The Consequences of Changing Family Structure, Nick Schulz argues that serious consideration of the consequences of changing family structure is sorely missing from conversations about American economic policy and politics. Apprehending a complete picture of this country’s economic condition will be impossible if poverty, income inequality, wealth disparities, and unemployment alone are taken into consideration, claims Schulz.

This book will trace how family structure has transformed over the last half century, ruminate on the causes of those changes, consider what conclusions can be drawn about the economic consequences of the changes in family, and offer ideas for how to handle the issue in the years to come.

Genres: Nonfiction, Economics, Politics, School

126 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2013

Reviews

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his book on the consequences of the changing family structure, Nick Schulz did a wonderful job identifying areas in the family structure that are broken and need to be fixed. One of his most powerful observations was the harm that a weak family structure has on character. Character is made up of empathy and self-control. Children in broken families are not developing the necessary character they need to thrive in today’s work force. When an individual lacks self-control, they lack “the ability to put longer-term goals and needs ahead of short-term desires.” (p. 93) In the conclusion of the book, Shulz observed that we are currently witnessing “what can happen to character formation when a critical character-forming institution falls apart.” (p. 95)

The following were my favorite passages:

“Human and social capital – including a person’s character, which is shaped by the family – constitutes a crucial part of the skill set a person uses to get a job, start a career, and succeed in the economy.” (p. 46)

“ . . . as key as it is, we rarely include the family structure in discussions of alleviating income inequality or helping the poor.” (p. 53)

[Rachel Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more of an introduction to the idea of thinking of changing family structure in relation to economics. I would say that, while providing plenty of statistics and graphs, it doesn't make a lot of strong points or say anything terribly new. What I did appreciate, though, is that it didn't include moral screeds like many books might, and it is an interesting read to see the differences between, say, the 1960's and now.

Worth a read if the topic interests you.

[Soda Pop · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly researched and written. One of the most interesting points made was that if you do 3 things you will be middle class or wealthier with only a 2 percent chance of it not working!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small, short book that can be read in one sitting. (I didn't -- I was busy.) It's an objective look at how shifting family dynamics affect poverty levels and income gaps. There are lots of charts with economic data. It also discusses how certain social skills appear to be only learned in a traditional family. There's a lot of good things to think about here.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationship between the disintegrating American family structure and economic and social stability. What a marvelous little book! I recommend this to anyone interested in social, economic, poverty alleviation, marital, or psychological issues.

[Walker Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

***1/2