The Braid of Stability: Family Structure, Relationships, and Lifespan Outcomes

This paper introduces a braided interdisciplinary framework to examine how family well-being is shaped by intersecting structural, cultural, and interpersonal factors. Drawing from sociology, psychology, economics, and political discourse analysis, it critically interrogates the widespread but oversimplified claim that preserving nuclear families is universally beneficial for children. By integrating evidence across disciplines, the paper exposes how such narratives often overlook structural and contextual realities that shape family outcomes. This synthesis contributes a new conceptual tool for understanding contemporary debates on family structure and child well-being.