Valuetainment “A Real Crisis Of Manhood” - Heritage Foundation CEO BLAMES Birth Rate Crash On Culture WARS
Feb 23, 2026
Kevin Roberts, conservative policy leader and CEO of the Heritage Foundation, outlines a cultural diagnosis for America’s falling birth rate. He discusses family policy solutions, comparisons with Israel and Hungary, proposed marriage and child tax credits, and concerns about cultural institutions, youth mental health, and social media’s impact on young men.
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Use Policy To Incentivize Early Marriage And Kids
- Use federal and state policy to invert disincentives and encourage early marriage and childbearing.
- Heritage proposes incentives for marriage and children plus cultural leadership to shift norms over a generation.
Culture Is The Primary Driver Behind The Birthrate Crash
- Culture is the largest driver of falling fertility though exact shares are hard to disaggregate.
- Roberts links cultural shifts plus 1965 welfare changes and rising costs to create today's fertility trap.
Use Leadership Messaging To Shift Cultural Norms
- Use the presidential bully pulpit to promote positive visions of marriage and parenting, not only policies.
- Roberts argues cultural messaging from leaders can help reverse trends alongside policy changes.