The future of humanity rests not upon government, but with the family. A principle that is as bold as it is true and profound. Recently, the Institute for Family Studies released a comprehensive study titled “The Decline in Marriage and Childbearing Among Progressives,” exposing contrasting cultural attitudes toward the institution of family. The research shows that conservatives overwhelmingly regard marriage and parenthood as essential virtues, forming the foundation of both individual happiness and social order. (RELATED: Conservative Women Will Be at the Heart of America’s Family Revival) In contrast, those on the left often exhibit ambivalence toward these institutions, frequently prioritizing professional advancement and personal aspirations over the traditional family. (RELATED: How Feminism Has Escaped Public Scrutiny) The study shows a clear majority of conservative young adults between the ages of 25 and 35 have not only married but also embraced parenthood, whereas among their leftist counterparts, these milestones remain the exception rather than the rule. (RELATED: We’re Winning the Marriage Fight in Spite of Ourselves) Such data accentuates an ideological divide that underscores how values shape behavior and, in this particular study, offers differing worldviews about marriage and family that are producing markedly different demographic outcomes. Women on the left are not only significantly less likely to marry but also less inclined to participate in religious life, particularly church attendance. This pattern matters because these same women report markedly higher levels of unhappiness. Such a trend is largely attributed to social isolation and the deep sense of loneliness that often accompanies it. Loneliness is not just a quiet personal battle; it is also the kind of thing that can spill out into the public square in ways we would all prefer it didn’t. Gallup’s latest dive into youth and loneliness delivered a real shocker: apparently, when young men are left stewing in isolation, some of them decide that political violence sounds like a reasonable hobby. Who could have guessed that cutting people off from community and purpose might scramble their judgment and make extreme ideas look appealing? Truly groundbreaking stuff. So yes, loneliness is not just a quiet personal battle; it is also the kind of thing that can spill out into the public square in ways we would all prefer it didn’t. These findings reaffirm a timeless sociological revelation that humans are social creatures. Amazing. Apparently, we are wired to seek connection through longstanding institutions like marriage, family, and faith. Who knew those were not just optional lifestyle choices? If that were not enough, these bonds also happen to be the bedrock of community cohesion and emotional stability. In other words, the things people have relied on for millennia are actually good for happiness and health. What a plot twist on the human condition. Declining birth rates are most pronounced among the left and in blue states in particular. This demographic shift is accompanied by families increasingly relocating from blue to red states, reshaping not only the cultural landscape but also the political one. (RELATED: Tough Luck, Liberals! Conservatives Just Have More Babies) As population losses drain electoral‑college power from blue states and toward red ones, it underscores how the real political kingmaker is not any political party strategist or political action committee but the modest birthrate, which apparently moonlights as a partisan operative. (RELATED: The Left Has a Baby Dilemma) Social media and obsessive gaming encourage quick, surface‑level interactions rather than meaningful ties. The more virtual exchanges dominate daily life, the more isolated people become. Compounding these trends is the decline in religious faith, leaving in its wake a vacuum that breeds loneliness and isolation, that reduces one’s well-being. It is in both individual and societal interest to nurture a cultural environment where deep, enduring bonds can flourish. Yet this aspiration is increasingly undermined by the pervasive ethos of radical individualism that elevates personal autonomy above communal responsibility, eroding the very foundations of a civil society. The corruption of God’s created order by government, healthcare, academia, bureaucratic institutions, and others who attempt to erase biological truth and redefine what it means to be man and woman serves no one. Schools indoctrinating children with radical ideologies only drive a wedge between parents and their children. Such leftist ideology is detrimental to individual well-being and to society. Ignoring these realities solves nothing. Enduring institutions are not built in capitals but around kitchen tables. No government alone can regulate, subsidize, or legislate its way out of cultural decline. However, legislators can help by creating incentives that strengthen marriage, childbearing, and family life. As Christmas reminds us, no light shines warmer, no bond runs deeper than a society anchored in strong families that reinforce virtue and moral clarity. READ MORE from Greg Maresca: Student-Athlete or Free Agent? Eligibility, International Intrigue and NCAA Drama A Cynic’s Ruminations on 2026