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, assistant professor of sociology, has joined the debate about family values on The New York Times.

Benson, who specializes in sociology of the family, is one of the contributors to the Times‘ Room for Debate section of its website.

The Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues, and Benson writes about the question: “Are ‘Family Values’ Outdated? Is the Republican ideal of family just a rhetorical device, or is it still a worthy goal for public policy?”

Benson is currently writing a book on young adulthood in urban America, and her work on young adult identity, parent-child relationships, and family issues has appeared in several academic journals, including Developmental Psychology.

In her piece for The Times, she writes:

“It is vitally important for the future of American families that we invest in policies that support young adults. Unfortunately, conservatives are currently trying to cut funding for many programs that provide such support.”

Read her complete essay , and use the comments section below to join the debate.