Could the Net Cost of a Child Be Zero Dollars?

Authors

Vladimir Snurenco, Calvin UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The article argues that the claim that raising children in America is unaffordable overlooks the economic benefits of marriage. While estimates like $300,000 sensationalize costs, they ignore the "marriage premium," which provides married couples with $1 million–$2 million in additional lifetime earnings through combined incomes, shared expenses, and increased productivity.

DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) exemplify this premium, enjoying financial stability and luxury without children. The article suggests reframing parenting costs from a macroeconomic problem requiring political solutions to a microeconomic perspective that highlights marriage as a key to financial success. For most married couples, the net cost of raising children can effectively be zero.

Publication Date

11-1-2024

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Comments

https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/could-the-net-cost-of-a-child-be-zero-dollars/

Recommended Citation

Snurenco, Vladimir, "Could the Net Cost of a Child Be Zero Dollars?" (2024). University Faculty Publications and Creative Works. 976.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/calvin_facultypubs/976