There is much lore – story after story after story – about the injury that divorce delivers to the children of the now dissolved marriage. Is this 2006 discussion we examine the actual research on the “dysfunctional” consequences for the children. Our two guests are among the most salient researchers. Alan Carlson is Director of the Howard Center for Religion and Society; Elizabeth Marquardt had just completed a major study on children of divorced parents. We start with the startling assertion that, since it’s inception, “No Fault Divorce” has quite significantly increased the divorce rate.

Publisher Adam Bellow, son of Saul, looked to his famous father to land his first job. Such stories provide a good basis for this wide-ranging 2005 discussion in 2005 of nepotism in our time and across history. Beyond the moral issue of should it be done are the sociological issues of: How often is it done? How is it well or poorly done? Is it a benefit or burden for the larger society? As we kick these matters around some surprises are bound to show up.

Charles Murray locates some 4000 eminent persons and asks of the available biographical data: what explains their super-significant contributions? His answers in this 2003 conversation, are fascinating and surprising.

Author Christina Hoff Sommers in an assertive 2005 conversation.

Milt talks with Dr. Helen Smith about her new book Men on Strike: Why Men Are Boycotting Marriage, Fatherhood, and the American Dream – and Why It Matters.