Family Policies Across the Globe: Development, Implementation, and Assessment

Abstract

The goal of this book is to provide a comprehensive analysis of family policies across the globe. The volume includes 29 chapters each focusing on family policies in countries from all around the world. Family policies are defined as government activities that are designed to support families and enhance family members’ well-being. Each chapter provides an overview of the impact of the historical, cultural, and socioeconomic context on families and family policy development. The chapters also provide a review of family policies in different countries, with a focus on family policies targeting marriage (e.g., family code, domestic violence), child-rearing, and work-family balance (e.g., parental, maternity, and paternity leaves; child support) and family policies supporting families at risk (e.g., support for families in poverty, for family members with disabilities, for elderly family members). Family policy implementation and assessment are also discussed, along with recommendations for further improvements. The first chapter sets the stage for the book, providing a justification for the volume and an overview of the included chapters.