The State Does Have a Part to Play When It Comes to Marriage

Excerpt from the recently published book ‘I…Do? Why Marriage Still Matters.’

The state needs to have a clear rationale concerning how it defines marriage and where and why it asserts itself in this domain, write Andrea Mrozek and Peter Jon Mitchell in their new book. Wedding and lifestyle/Shutterstock

Book Excerpt

Having worked in family policy for nearly two decades, it’s tempting to approach family issues by thinking first about what governments can do. However, our public policy experience tempers our expectations. When we contemplate the role of the state, it is helpful to consider the interest the state has in family life and the limits to actions it should undertake. Families provide love and care in ways the state can’t duplicate. Acknowledging this fact, however, does not mean denying there are ways in which the state can help families.