Dr. Brad Wilcox: Marriage and the Common Good

Dr. Brad Wilcox, a sociologist and director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, has extensively researched the interplay between marriage, family stability, and societal well-being, often framing his findings in the context of the "common good." His work emphasizes that marriage is not just a private arrangement but a foundational institution that significantly impacts individuals, families, and communities at large.

Wilcox's research highlights several key points about marriage and its broader societal benefits. He argues that strong, stable marriages contribute to human flourishing by fostering emotional, financial, and social stability for adults and children alike. His studies show that married individuals tend to report higher levels of happiness, lower rates of loneliness, and greater financial security compared to their unmarried counterparts. For children, being raised in stable, two-parent households is associated with better educational outcomes, reduced likelihood of poverty, and lower risks of emotional and behavioral issues.

A central theme in Wilcox's work is the idea that the health of marriage as an institution affects the "common good"—the collective welfare of society. He contends that declining marriage rates and increasing family instability have ripple effects, contributing to social challenges such as rising inequality, "deaths of despair" (e.g., from suicide or substance abuse), and strained public resources. For instance, his research suggests that communities with higher rates of intact families experience lower crime rates and reduced dependence on government assistance, benefiting society as a whole.

Wilcox also critiques cultural and policy trends that he believes undermine marriage. He points to elite narratives that downplay the importance of marriage, as well as welfare policies that inadvertently penalize couples for marrying, as factors that weaken family formation, particularly among working-class and lower-income groups. In his book *Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization* (2024), he argues that reviving a marriage-centric culture is essential for addressing these broader societal issues.

In summary, Dr. Wilcox’s research frames marriage as a public good that bolsters individual well-being and societal stability. He advocates for cultural and policy shifts to reinforce marriage, asserting that its decline poses risks to the common good, while its revitalization could strengthen communities and enhance overall quality of life.