About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and perceptions of family life among young people today.

Family policy debates often focus on affordability, housing, or cultural change. But a deeper question is emerging: do young people still believe family life is even possible? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn is joined by Francesco Di Lillo, director of the European Union and International Affairs Office for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Derek Monson, Sutherland Institute’s executive director, to examine the pressures facing families in the United States and Europe. Their conversation explores declining family formation, rising housing costs, and the cultural and technological shifts shaping modern life. They discuss why many young adults still want families but question whether they are attainable, and what policymakers can do to remove barriers, strengthen families as foundational institutions, and build a future where family life can flourish. Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

People in this episode

Host: Nic Dunn

Guests: Francesco Di Lillo, Derek Monson

Topics covered

• family life
• policy debates
• housing costs
• cultural change
• young adults
• family formation

Keywords

• family policy
• affordability
• housing
• cultural shifts
• young adults
• family formation
• barriers to family

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sutherland Institute

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