Them Before Us Podcast - Episode #071 Summary: "Marriage, Family, and the Battle for Truth – A Convo with Glenn T. Stanton"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Them Before Us Podcast
• Host/Author: Them Before Us (Jen Friesen and Katy)
• Description: The podcast focuses on children's rights, offering a children’s rights-centric approach to legal and cultural news, and introducing listeners to advocates and experts worldwide.
• Episode: Them Before Us #071 | Marriage, Family, and the Battle for Truth – A Convo with Glenn T. Stanton
• Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode, Jen Friesen welcomes Glenn T. Stanton, the Director of Global Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family. Glenn is a seasoned debater, lecturer, and author with over nine books to his name. As a senior contributor at The Federalist, Glenn brings a wealth of knowledge on gender, sexuality, marriage, and parenting. The conversation sets the stage for a deep dive into the significance of marriage and its impact on society and children.

The Importance of Marriage

Glenn opens the discussion by challenging the modern perception that marriage is outdated. He cites data supporting the increasing importance of marriage and emphasizes its role as a fundamental human institution, tracing back to Aristotle’s concept of the nuclear family as the microcosm of civilization.

• Notable Quote:
  "Marriage is the relationship that clarifies the relationship between man, woman, and child, making it a powerful social institution."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [01:48]

Glenn references his 1997 book, "Why Marriage Matters," highlighting research that demonstrates married individuals consistently exhibit higher measures of well-being compared to their unmarried counterparts. He underscores that marriage provides stability, support, and a clear commitment that benefits not only the couple but also society at large.

Decline of Marriage in Western Societies

The conversation shifts to the declining marriage rates, particularly in Western countries, despite high marriage rates among Asian demographics in the United States.

• Notable Quote:
  "We have defaulted to not maintaining marriage as a virtue and a benefit, and we need to recover that communal ideal."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [06:07]

Glenn attributes the decline to society’s failure to uphold marriage as a valued institution. He criticizes the notion that all relationships are equally valid without recognizing the unique benefits of marriage. He advocates for personal commitment, community involvement in marriages, and societal encouragement to foster successful marriages.

Marriage vs. Cohabitation

Glenn contrasts marriage with cohabitation, arguing that cohabitation lacks the commitment and clarity that marriage provides, often leading to higher instability.

• Notable Quote:
  "Cohabitation is suffused with ambiguity, making it one of the most dangerous, harmful things you can do to sandbag a future marital relationship."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [09:30]

He notes that cohabiting couples often perceive it as a trial period, which diminishes the seriousness and commitment needed for a lasting marriage. Glenn emphasizes the importance of informed consent based on accurate data about marriage’s benefits.

Impact of Marriage on Children

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the optimal family structure for children. Glenn presents evidence that children thrive best when raised by their biological mothers and fathers within a marriage.

• Notable Quote:
  "Biology really does matter. A biological mother is a very different kind of mother than a stepmother."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [12:05]

He explains that biological connections foster deeper protective instincts and financial commitment from fathers, which are crucial for a child’s development. Glenn also highlights the increased risks of abuse and instability in households with non-biological parents.

Gender as a Social Construct

The podcast delves into the controversial topic of gender, where Glenn argues against the notion that gender is merely a social construct.

• Notable Quote:
  "Being male or female is not just about clothing or presentation; it's deeply embedded in our biology and civilization."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [18:22]

Glenn asserts that the binary understanding of gender is universal and biologically ingrained. He criticizes contemporary gender studies and policies that promote multiple genders, arguing that such perspectives lead to confusion and societal instability.

Transgender Ideology and Its Implications

Glenn draws connections between transgender ideology and the broader movement for same-sex marriage, suggesting that both aim to dismantle traditional gender and family structures.

• Notable Quote:
  "Transgender ideology is tied to same-sex marriage ideology; both seek to redefine the fundamental aspects of gender and family."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [22:01]

He criticizes the erosion of the male-female binary, citing instances like men participating in women’s sports and public figures advocating for non-binary identities. Glenn believes this ideological shift threatens the stability and clarity of traditional family roles.

Cultural and Political Shifts

The discussion touches on the rapid cultural changes regarding gender and marriage, particularly under political leadership. Glenn points out how political actions, such as executive orders supporting gender ideology, have accelerated these shifts.

• Notable Quote:
  "Gender ideology has confused all our categories, making it difficult to defend the true definitions of woman and man."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [36:31]

He reflects on the political landscape, noting how progressive policies have undermined traditional definitions and led to societal confusion and conflict.

The Unique Roles of Mothers and Fathers

In the final segment, Glenn elaborates on the distinct roles that mothers and fathers play in a child’s life, emphasizing that these roles are irreplaceable and biologically driven.

• Notable Quote:
  "Mothers provide security and comfort, while fathers encourage exploration and risk-taking, essential for a child’s development."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [38:27]

Glenn highlights that mothers nurture and protect, creating a sense of safety, whereas fathers push children to engage with the world, fostering independence and resilience. He argues that both roles are critical for balanced psychological, emotional, and physical development in children.

Conclusion

The episode closes with a strong affirmation of traditional marriage and gender roles as foundational to societal well-being and child development. Glenn calls for a return to valuing the binary understanding of gender and the marital bond, urging listeners to uphold these principles for the betterment of future generations.

• Notable Quote:
  "We need moral and intellectual courage to say we refuse to play the emperor’s no–clothes game anymore."
  — Glenn T. Stanton [47:05]

He encourages listeners to speak boldly about their beliefs and resist the pressures to conform to what he perceives as harmful societal changes.

Key Takeaways

1. Marriage as a Fundamental Institution: Marriage is crucial for individual well-being, societal stability, and child development.
2. Biological Parents Matter: Children thrive best with married, biological mothers and fathers.
3. Gender Binary: The traditional binary understanding of gender is essential and universally recognized.
4. Critique of Modern Ideologies: Contemporary views on gender and family structures are seen as detrimental to societal cohesion.
5. Call to Action: Uphold and promote traditional marriage and gender roles to ensure the well-being of future generations.

Final Thoughts

Glenn T. Stanton provides a compelling argument for the preservation of traditional marriage and gender roles, backed by his extensive research and experience. While the conversation delves into contentious topics, it offers valuable insights into the perceived importance of these institutions for societal health and the development of children.

Listener Note: This summary aims to encapsulate the core discussions and viewpoints presented in the episode. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.