“Two are better than one.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

How happy are you? New research about the American pursuit of happiness reveal two things: national happiness is trending sad – and low marriage rates are a chief reason why. 

In a recent Friday Forum, University of Virginia sociology professor, Dr. Brad Wilcox of the Institute for Family Studies, presented research findings indicating that “when it comes to this classic Jeffersonian pursuit – the pursuit of happiness…I would submit to you, that we are not doing very well.” 

Author of the new book, Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization, Wilcox recounted the grim statistic: marriage rates have declined by more than 60 percent since the 1970s. Relatedly, family formation and fertility rates have hit their lowest level in U.S. history. “We are projecting that one quarter of adults will never have children,” he said. “This is a “profound level of kinlessness for young adults today as they head into mid-life.”

Why the aversion to marriage and family? According to Wilcox, it’s “not about things like race, inequality or poverty.” Rather, he blames cultural factors like the “Midas” mindset, the view that, “what really matters…is your education, building your own brand, and above all…your career.” This mindset has “pushed out a more marriage-minded approach, a more family-minded approach to life, for a lot of young adults today.” 

But for all the hype that says, “marriage is a game that no one wins,” research says the opposite. “If you want to be happy, find a life partner.”

“I am not saying that just sort of putting a ring on your finger is some kind of magic ticket that will make your life perfect. No that’s not true. But I am also a social scientist, and I can tell you that on average, we’re seeing that Americans who are married are more likely to be flourishing compared to their peers who are single.”

“This should be a concern among policymakers, including here on Capitol Hill,” he said.

Rather than rely solely on market responses, Wilcox suggested public policies that would lighten the economic burden of marriage and family, maximize the time that parents have with their children, support parental authority, and education about the value of marriage and parenthood.

Thank you, Dr. Wilcox and the Institute for Family Studies for your research into the ingredients of human happiness. Your findings bear out what we know from Scripture: “Two are better than one.” Ecclesiastes 4:9.