Many people see government involvement in family policy as a response to popular concerns that the American family is in a state of crisis. One of the primary concerns with fragile families (one parent usually mother) is economic: Poverty rates for single mothers are several times that of two-parent families. Economic deprivation while growing up has been linked to poor physical health, reduced intellectual ability and academic achievement.

Some social sciences contend that marriage is the solution to many of the problems associated with single-parent families. Other experts believe...

Many people see government involvement in family policy as a response to popular concerns that the American family is in a state of crisis. One of the primary concerns with fragile families (one parent usually mother) is economic: Poverty rates for single mothers are several times that of two-parent families. Economic deprivation while growing up has been linked to poor physical health, reduced intellectual ability and academic achievement.

Some social sciences contend that marriage is the solution to many of the problems associated with single-parent families. Other experts believe...