“The decline in marriage rates, postponement of marriage, and falling birthrates indicate that the family has been under pressure. While family economics has made some interesting applications of economic theory to explain some of the changes we see in household formation and function, the impact of the central bank’s monetary manipulation has been neglected. Jeffery Degner’s new book helps fill this gap. His insightful and thorough treatment of the links between inflation and family disintegration is essential to understanding the economics of the modern household.” (Dr. Timothy D. Terrell, T.B. Stackhouse Professor of Economics, Wofford College, USA)

“What if the most sinister threat to American prosperity is hiding where nobody looks—bad money? Jeffery Degner makes the case. This book is absolutely vital for understanding the roots of our social and economic stagnation and projecting any realistic path forward.” 

(Catherine Ruth Pakaluk, Associate Professor, The Catholic University of America, USA, and author of “Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth”)

“Dr. Degner reminds us that monetary policy shapes the decisions of families, as well as those of firms. This book follows in the great tradition of the Late Scholastics, who discovered economic laws as they attempted to explain why the King's currency debasement was hurting poor families in 16th-century Spain (amongst other things). It is important reading for anyone who is interested in understanding contemporary family life and the unintended consequences of monetary policy.” 

(Clara Piano, Assistant Professor of Economics, The University of Mississippi, USA)

“A rigorous analysis of how inflation erodes the foundation and progress of family life. With sharp economic insight, Dr. Degner exposes the hidden costs of rising prices—distorting priorities, delaying milestones, and reshaping family formation. Essential reading for economists and their students studying or generally concerned with economic stability, generational wealth, and the future of household life in America and around the world.” 

(Peter C. Earle, Ph.D, Director of Economics and Economic Freedom, American Institute for Economic Research, USA)

“What does inflation have to do with family instability and breakdown? The answer, Jeffery Degner shows, is quite a lot. Monetary instability and the economic and political mindsets that drive it have steadily corroded many of the conditions that help families flourish. Thanks to Degner, we have a much better understanding of how this occurs and what to do about it.” 

(Samuel Gregg, Friedrich Hayek Chair in Economics and Economic History, American Institute for Economic Research, USA)

“In his book Inflation and the Family, Jeffery L. Degner has made a significant, fascinating, and, quite frankly, impressive contribution to both economics and sociology. Demonstrating excellent scholarship with clear writing, Degner thoughtfully places his topic within the context of the history of economic thought regarding the family, and his analysis firmly within the framework of sound monetary and macroeconomic theory and policy. He compellingly explains how inflationary monetary policy has led to the financialization of the US economy and fostered a culture that contributes to delaying marriage, encouraging cohabitation, lowering fertility, and increasing the likelihood of divorce for those harmed by inflation.” 

(Shawn Ritenour, Professor of Economics, Grove City College, USA)

“Inflation and the Family: Monetary Policy’s Impact on Household Life assembles numerous economic reasons to explain why unsound money is not only non-neutral, but also a serious disruptor of the institution of the family. There are many culprits suspected of thwarting family formation and domestic stability, but inflation is one that is too often overlooked. Jeffery Degner corrects that deficiency by making the case that inflation should be listed among them.” 

(Stephen P. Barrows, Ph.D., Acton Institute, USA) 

Adriano Correa

5.0 out of 5 stars

 A Groundbreaking Look at How Money Shapes Our Families – Essential Reading!

Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2025

Jeffery L. Degner's "Inflation and the Family: Monetary Policy’s Impact on Household Life" is a groundbreaking and essential read that meticulously explores the previously neglected influence of monetary policy on family dynamics. Degner brilliantly demonstrates how inflationary monetary interventions foster an "inflation culture", characterized by rising indebtedness, increased wealth inequality, and augmented moral hazard. Utilising the Cantillon Effect, the book vividly illustrates how newly created money flows unequally through the economy, profoundly altering household income and wealth, and subsequently, critical family decisions regarding marriage, fertility, and divorce. Praised as a "significant, fascinating, and impressive contribution to both economics and sociology", this work fills a vital gap, offering rigorous analysis and fresh insights into how these macroeconomic forces contribute to delays in marriage, increased cohabitation, lower fertility rates, and differential divorce rates among various socioeconomic groups. "Inflation and the Family" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex interplay between monetary policy and the evolving structure of household life.

Kindle Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Fix the money, fix the family?

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2025

Many people have noted the decline of the traditional family, seen this as a bad thing, and proposed various solutions.

In this book, Degner begins by showing that this decline is not just a matter of looking at the past through rose-colored glasses. He presents various statistics to demonstrate that marriage patterns, fertility, and divorce rates have in fact changed significantly since WWII. (The book focuses on the period from WWII to the present, and primarily the US.)

Degner proceeds to demonstrate that these changes are (at least in part) driven by economic incentives.

What is unique and valuable about this book is that Degner takes a further step and links those economic changes to an inflationary monetary policy. And monetary policy is not a fact of nature, but purely a result of human choices.

Tommy Doles

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Fascinating Argument, Important Contribution

Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2025

It's not often that you read something that really changes how you look at the world, or introduces a completely novel way of thinking about important issues. This is one of those books. While not a PhD myself, I have advanced degrees in public policy, business management, and theology, but yet have never before considered the linkages presented in this argument. It is thoughtful, creative, well researched, clearly explained, and coherent. What an important contribution to the body of knowledge on economics, public policy, and sociology! More and more people are recognizing the problems families face, but how many have considered the role our financialized monetary system plays in those problems? Dr. Degner has given us much to think about, and important questions to ponder.