Matthew Yglesias’ piece in Slate, “Help America: Get Divorced! The coming boom in failed marriages and why it’s exactly what the economy needs,” is a perfect example of the short term thinking that creates far more messes than it resolves:
There are millions of “missing” households in America that can appear—through childbirth, divorce, or moving out—very suddenly if people get a bit more in their pockets. And each new household carries with it not just a home, but a wide array of appliances, furniture, and other durable goods. An income boost, in other words, could create a wave of household formation that drives nationwide incomes even higher.
Sure, America, get divorced and go shopping. A divorced household means two refridgerators rather than one, and what could be better for the economy? Except that non-married adults don’t accumulate as much savings and assets over time, are less likely to own their home, have children who are more likely to struggle, and have fewer family caregiving arrangements to fall back on when health or finances get tough. Short term gain, long term pain. Perhaps there is another way.
