patrick.net

Most illegitimacy in this country, the #1 cause of poverty, wasn't a thing before the 1960s. Girls were watched and marriage was the only socially acceptable outlet for sex.

Yes, because in 1960, their was no "pill," and they knew pregnancy meant forced marriage. Today's illegitimate births are somewhat powered by welfare. Have a kid, get on the dole.

I also discovered that the first iteration of Food Stamps was NOT given to unwed mothers. It was only expanded to them under LBJ.

Surprise! Guess what happened...

Sure, but the government enforces responsibility as a transfer of wealth mechanism. Not sure I am following your claim on illegitimacy as "shit decision", but it is supported by government to enforce payments to the woman. She needs a man - and having a child will make that happen. The man has no say - he didn't marry her so one would assume he is not interested. She is getting pregnant either to force the man to marry her or at least get his income so she doesn't have to work. She will likely be the custodial parent as most courts won't recognize an unmarried biological father. If government did not provide the enforcement mechanism, then it is doubtful women would engage in behavior that might result in a child or would at least get an abortion or raise it on their own.

Most men don't realize that the legal system is stacked toward payment transfers, and this also feeds that same bureaucracy. To combat the poverty of illegitimacy, government basically removed all responsibility from the woman and places it on the man. She decides to have a child or not - he has zero say.

I am simply saying that this is not really a personal responsibility decision as government has given substantial power of one sex to dominate the other via legal methods.