Family life in America feels increasingly strained. Rising costs, deepening loneliness, and a growing distrust in government have left many families feeling that the life they desire is out of reach. At the same time, our politicians can be ill-equipped to respond and do not always deliver on their promises. Utah Governor Spencer Cox offers a unique approach grounded in his commitment to faith, family, and the restoration of the common good.
On January 28th, Capita and the Harvard Center for American Political Studies (CAPS) co-hosted an intimate roundtable conversation with Governor Cox on the future of American families, family policy, and political realignment. The event opened with remarks from Capita Co-Founder and CEO Joe Waters, followed by a moderated discussion led by Ryan Enos, Professor of Government at Harvard and Faculty Director of CAPS. Harvard faculty, students, and family policy leaders joined the conversation, contributing thoughtful questions that deepened the exchange.
Here are the key takeaways.
Please note that these takeaways do not necessarily represent the views of the co-hosts organizations or the author, but rather reflect a synthesis of the perspectives shared during the event.
Strong families are the bedrock of thriving societies.
Families are the most important social institution in our nation, and their stability and flourishing are foundational to its strength and prosperity. When families thrive, societies thrive. When families struggle, the consequences reverberate. Many of the challenges families face, from declining trust in our government to growing social fragmentation and declining birth rates, can be tied to weakened family and community structures. Utah consistently ranks high on a range of family and social indicators. Governor Cox attributes part of this to the state’s strong religious culture, which creates a strong foundation for families.
Rebuilding institutions and “third spaces” are critical to restoring purpose and belonging.
While faith certainly provides identity, meaning, and community for many families, it is not the only pathway to belonging. Governor Cox pointed to the steady decline in memberships to institutions, such as Rotary Clubs and other civic organizations, that historically have cultivated a sense of duty and service. In his view, part of restoring a belief in the common good and kindness among neighbors rests in revitalizing these institutions. He believes not only that we form institutions, but that institutions form us by reinforcing values that knit communities together. Beyond formal organizations, “third spaces,” such as libraries, community centers, and public pools, create opportunities for connection outside of home, school, work, and church. These spaces can foster connection and restore a sense of shared purpose that extends beyond the individual and toward the broader collective. Unfortunately, when these community spaces close, a sense of despair can also follow. Philanthropy can play a vital role in building, sustaining, and investing in these places so they can anchor familiar and strengthen communities.
Family policy should be reimagined to support more choice and flexibility.
Family policy must move beyond a one-size-fits-all model and embrace a range of work and care arrangements. According to Cox, our policies too often focus on subsidizing child care so that both parents can work full-time. While that is essential for many families, it is not the only arrangement that families want. In a survey of Utah mothers with young children, Governor Cox found that most did not name having both parents working full-time as their ideal scenario, and many preferred arrangements that included staying home or working part-time. Our economic systems and policies, however, fail to recognize the immense value of caregiving, making this decision difficult for families. The Governor has instituted a “returnship” program within his office to help stay-at-home parents re-enter the workforce, and he encourages others to think outside the box and embrace policies that center on choice, what parents actually want, and support families that have often been ignored.
There is meaningful space and opportunity for bipartisan collaboration.
Even in this time of hyperpolarization, Governor Cox believes there is room for bipartisan alignment if we focus on families. During his tenure as chairman of the National Governors Association, he led an initiative called “Disagree Better” to model a healthier, more constructive way of governing despite polarization. He emphasized that strengthening service pathways, investing in community institutions, and creating economic opportunities that allow families and communities to flourish are popular across the political spectrum. The key is to frame these ideas in non-polarizing, inclusive language that invites collaboration.
Social media is contributing to a growing mental health crisis and social fragmentation.
While social media is not the sole driver of the anxiety, loneliness, and isolation that are plaguing American children and their families, Governor Cox believes it has amplified these problems. He pointed to Australia’s restrictions on social media use for minors as a promising model the United States could consider, alongside stronger accountability measures for social media platforms, school-based interventions such as “bell to bell” phone bans, and clear public health warnings about the associated risks.
Economic pressures are impacting family well-being and shaping family formation.
Rising housing costs and broader cost-of-living challenges are driving families to delay having children or have fewer than they had hoped. Governor Cox emphasized that the economic threshold for what feels like a stable life has changed drastically in recent decades, even as financial insecurity has intensified. For many young adults, home ownership may feel increasingly unattainable, especially as Utah home prices have doubled, and the average homebuyer is now in their fifties. Without a strong financial footing, young families feel unable to make clear, hopeful decisions about when and how to grow their family.
Elise Anderson is a Manager at Capita’s Family Policy Lab.
