The family is the first institution

The family reproduces society biologically, morally, culturally, and economically. It teaches trust, language, restraint, sacrifice, authority, and belonging. Its public importance follows precisely from the fact that it is not a creation of the state.

Policy should ask whether ordinary families can form, remain intact, raise children, care for dependents, accumulate property, and transmit a way of life. Neither government nor markets should quietly consume the time and authority families need to carry their responsibilities.