Story perspectives

Heritage: Culture, Not Economy, Driving U.S. Marriage Drop

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Heritage Foundation report says cultural shifts, not economics, drive the U.S. marriage decline.
Marriage among adults aged 30-35 fell from over 90% in 1962 to 55% in 2025.
The report urges using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for marriage education and cites Utah’s Healthy Marriage Initiative, which offers discounted licenses after premarital courses.
Among college-educated families, 90% of children are born within marriage despite messages questioning its necessity.

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Story summary

Heritage Foundation report says cultural shifts, not economics, drive the U.S. marriage decline.
Marriage among adults aged 30-35 fell from over 90% in 1962 to 55% in 2025.
The report urges using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for marriage education and cites Utah’s Healthy Marriage Initiative, which offers discounted licenses after premarital courses.
Among college-educated families, 90% of children are born within marriage despite messages questioning its necessity.