New survey data shows that a majority of likely voters in Utah support the concepts of the success sequence and approve of teaching them in schools. So, when critics still push back against the sequence – education, work, and marriage before kids – as one of the best frameworks for avoiding poverty and living a successful and happy life, what's the best response?

Sutherland Visiting Scholar Brad Wilcox returns to the podcast to give a rebuttal to some of the better-known critics of the success sequence. He joins host Nic Dunn to review the latest survey data showing broad bipartisan support for teaching the success sequence among likely voters in Utah and to make the case that the third step in the sequence – marriage – still matters for kids' outcomes.

Brad is also a fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, director of the National Marriage Project, professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Show notes:

• Success Sequence – Sutherland Institute
• For kids, marriage still matters – Sutherland Institute
• Uncommonly Popular: Public Support for Teaching the Success Sequence in School | American Enterprise Institute – AEI

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.