Hey there Dr. K! I suspect the connection between marriage and having kids, and the general worldview of “conservativism,” relates in part to the dynamic in which having kids gives one a greater sense of the need to “conserve” (for future generations) sound policies and institutions that have passed the test of time -- and to protect those policies and institutions from radical, poorly-grounded experimental changes that those without kids might be more willing to gamble with. I explored this possibility a bit in this previous essay series, starting here: https://paultaylor.substack.com/p/skin-in-the-game-part-1?utm_source=publication-search
Paul, Well this is fascinating. But none of this seems to address the chicken/egg question. You have thoughts?
Hey there Dr. K! I suspect the connection between marriage and having kids, and the general worldview of “conservativism,” relates in part to the dynamic in which having kids gives one a greater sense of the need to “conserve” (for future generations) sound policies and institutions that have passed the test of time -- and to protect those policies and institutions from radical, poorly-grounded experimental changes that those without kids might be more willing to gamble with. I explored this possibility a bit in this previous essay series, starting here: https://paultaylor.substack.com/p/skin-in-the-game-part-1?utm_source=publication-search