TRUTH AND TRAUMA: HOW MARRIAGE FIXES SOCIETY

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Dr Jennifer Bauwens is Director of the Center for Family Studies at the Family Research Council, a leading US think-tank established by Dr James Dobson over 40 years ago. We got together to discuss the clear evidence her organisation produces, which highlights why one-man one-woman marriage remains foundational to society and children’s wellbeing. We also explore why policymakers seem reluctant to directly encourage fathers to remain actively involved in family life, despite overwhelming evidence supporting its benefits, and we discuss practical steps to address this reluctance. I encourage you to watch the full interview here.

Dr Bauwens highlights how strong families directly correlate to better mental health outcomes for children, notably emphasising the profound impact of early childhood trauma on family stability. Statistically it does matter, she says, emphasising the proven advantages for children raised by their biological mother and father in a stable marriage. The discussion addresses why society often hesitates to acknowledge this reality, partly due to an overemphasis on individual choices over proven truths.

She clearly outlines the consequences when traditional family structures weaken, noting significant increases in incarceration, relationship difficulties, and domestic violence. “These things really matter and how we define and maintain family has huge implications for every society”, Bauwens says.

The interview also explores Dr Bauwens’ research into gender ideology, highlighting how harmful practices have proliferated under the guise of personal freedom. She expresses optimism about recent shifts in the US, noting public resistance to extreme gender ideologies and emphasising, “We can actually call a man a man and a woman a woman now.”

Dr Bauwens advocates for a compassionate yet truthful approach to these discussions—rooted in compassion, but grounded firmly in honest, evidence-based facts rather than individual feelings. She highlights the importance of actively elevating examples of good marriages, urging people to confidently uphold marriage as the healthiest environment for raising children. She stresses the importance of courage in standing against harmful cultural trends: “We want people to feel confident…and know that they have not only theologically or philosophically the right argument but that they also have the science behind them as well.”

At C4M, we are committed to promoting and defending real marriage as essential for a healthy society. Your support enables C4M to amplify insightful voices like Dr Bauwens’ and advance our crucial advocacy for strong, stable families.

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