1) What is "social capital" as the authors define it? Why is it important? Why is social capital negatively impacted by divorce or living in a single parent family?
2) There are many ways to measure "success." What is their justification for focusing on economic success? Is this justification reasonable to you?
3) How do they measure economic "success?" Does this seem reasonable to you? How would you have preferred they measure economic success?
4) In terms of their measures of economic "success," what are some of the important differences between children from single parent families and children from two-parent families described in the book?
5) What theoretical explanations have been offered for the general lack of noncustodial fathers' engagement in their children's lives (including payment of child support)? How plausible do you feel these theories to be?
6) What are some of the various mechanisms through which growing up in a single parent family may have negative implications on children's economic success (as measured by the authors)?