FAMILY POLICY AND ITS REALIZATION TRENDS IN LITHUANIA FOR 2005–2012

Vytautas Gavelis,Evaldas Visockas

doi:10.15388/ekon.2013.0.1618

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of the article is an overview of the objectives and criteria of theclassification used in state family policy in the sphere of economic relations, a discussion of family policy types and sub-types, relations between forms and types, and their characteristics in contemporary conditions. It discloses the significance of a systemic approach to family policy, emphasizes that family policy can be investigated both as a separate system and as a subsystem emphasizes that a particular family policy must reflect the inherent relations of the subsystems and components, i.e. an implementation area of family policy, its targets, goals, priorities, directions and state’s ability to provide economic support draws attention to the fact that family policy should be associated not only with the family as a general institution but also with individual family forms, describes the trends of public financial social assistance for families raising children and for poor residents in 2005–2012.Key words: family policy, types of family policy, family forms, benefits for families raising children, financial social assistance for poor residents

Highlights

The effectiveness of state family policy depends on many circumstances, processes, values, traditions, etc
A classification containing the practical value is only possible if the object of analysis is grouped and systematized in the area of specific social relations, i.e. law, economics, culture, etc., because the independent family policy in the system hierarchy is analyzable as a structural part of a larger system
The trends of public financial social assistance for the family suggest that the family policy implemented in the sphere of the country’s economic relations lacks a systematic approach, it does not cover the diversity of family forms, is inconsistent, lacks strategic and tactical links among the types of assistance provided

Summary

Introduction

The effectiveness of state family policy depends on many circumstances, processes, values, traditions, etc. Family policy is often analyzed in the context of generalized social relations without dividing them into economic, legal, ethical, etc This prevents the use of a systemic nature of analysis and distinguishing among the specific types of family policy. Family policy research should be targeted, i.e. linked to a specific scientific discipline in the analysis of social and economic processes In such classification, family policy, formulated in different fields of social life, should be linked into a logical sequence and its types, subtypes, and components bound by subordinated bonds. The first section offers a discussion why it is necessary to analyze family policy in the spheres of specific social relations (economic, legal, cultural, etc.) It shows that a systematic approach should be followed in the formation of family policy, as it helps to identify more accurately the types and forms of family policy.

Necessity of family policy classification

State financial social support for families with children in 2005–2012

Public cash social assistance for poor residents

Findings

Conclusions