Family Policy Research Articles

Can Family Policies Enhance Fertility? An Ex Ante Evaluation Through Factorial Survey Experiments.

This article explores the family policies-fertility nexus by assessing the potential impact of parental leaves, childcare services, and child benefits on fertility through a factorial survey experiment (FSE). We focus on Italy, where persistently low fertility rates are often linked to limited welfare support for families. We surveyed 4,022 respondents aged 20-44 and exposed them to various scenarios characterized by different family policy packages. We asked them to ascribe short-term fertility behavior to a fictitious couple under each scenario. Results show that each family-friendly policy envisioned positively impacts ascribed fertility. The availability of full-time, public childcare services seems more relevant than higher child benefits, whereas more generous and gender-equal parental leaves are perceived as less relevant. However, results suggest that only a consistent mix of financial benefits, parental leave schemes, and childcare provisions can boost fertility. In contrast, marginal changes in single policy levers are most likely ineffective. The FSE reveals that a couple's socioeconomic status is perceived as more important than family policies for fertility: ascribed fertility increases when both partners are employed and household income is high. We conclude by discussing the policy implications of our findings.

On the strategy of actions for the implementation of family and demographic policy, support for large families in the Russian Federation until 2036

The year 2024 was declared by the head of state, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, the Year of the Family. The presidential Decree noted that the decision was made with the aim of popularizing state policy in the field of family protection and traditional values. Such significant attention on the part of the country’s leadership to the institution of the family and family values, demographic issues in general, is due to the fact that Russia as a state and Russian society are faced with a number of social problems that threaten many established foundations, values, and the future of the country. As never before in the modern history of Russia, issues of social security are coming to the fore. Real threats loomed over the most important social institution — the family. In our state, the family is protected at the highest constitutional level. Article 38 of the basic law of our country establishes a direct norm — the protection of the family, motherhood and childhood by the State. At the government level, a whole system of indicators has been developed that are subject to constant monitoring in order to ensure the relevance of state policy in the social sphere and its continuous improvement. Much is being done by modern statesmen and politicians in support of the family, motherhood, fatherhood and childhood. This article, which is mainly of a compilation nature, presents the most significant speeches by prominent government and political figures of Russia on family and demographic policy in 2024, and also shows modern directions for the development and further implementation of an Action Strategy for the implementation of family and demographic policy, support for large families in the Russian Federation until 2036.

“Fertility fear” on Chinese social media: The disciplined female reproductive bodies and resistance towards motherhood

ABSTRACT Despite China’s shift to the ‘comprehensive two-child’ policy in 2019, fertility rates continue to decline. This study examines the discourse of ‘fertility fear’ (kongyu 恐育) among young, unmarried Chinese women, particularly on social media platforms like Weibo, RED, and Douban. By analysing trending hashtags such as #Marriage and Fertility Fear, the study explores the anxieties surrounding motherhood. Anchored in the theoretical frameworks of biopolitics and feminist studies on motherhood, it explores historical and current state controls over female reproductive autonomy. The study discusses how patriarchal norms and societal pressures enforce strict reproductive timelines, stigmatizing deviations and maintaining gender inequalities. Online discourses often blame male irresponsibility for reproductive fears while overlooking systemic issues like inadequate family policies and capitalist labour dynamics. Moreover, the antithetical narrative dichotomy between childless women and mothers reflects a broader rejection of traditional motherhood constructs, with the latter criticized for capitulating to patriarchal dictates. By dissecting the ‘fertility fear’ discourse, this study illuminates the interplay between state policies, societal norms, and personal agency in reproductive decisions. It provides insights into the evolving dynamics of gender, motherhood, and female autonomy in post-reform China, emphasizing the need to address both individual and structural aspects of reproductive governance.

Swedish Women’s Health Promotion: A Social Anthropologist’s Perspective

The article presents an analysis of Swedish reproductive policy within the context of socio-economic factors, women’s health concerns, and approaches to maternal and child healthcare in Sweden. The author examines the evolution of social consciousness and practices related to motherhood and childcare, tracing the transition from traditional worldly and social norms and rules, which involved strict observance of religious dogmas, to new forms of family structure and conscious planning of reproductive behavior within families. The author considers the need to address the demographic challenges facing the country as an important motivation for the Swedish social policy since the 1930s. It is evident that economic growth and positive changes in the socio-economic environment have played a key role in the success of the ‘family’ policy. The social rights and opportunities of Swedish citizens, including the implementation of programs aimed at women’s health, have been guaranteed by the state. The implementation of state family policy has facilitated enhanced opportunities and accessibility for Swedish women, enabling them to develop their own life strategies, not only in the labor market but also in the context of their own health. Significant components of this social policy encompass implementation of suitable reproductive policies and material assistance to diverse categories of families, whether engaged in labor market activities or childcare responsibilities.

The Importance of Self-Selection and Childcare Leave Length for Child Penalty

Childbirth has consequences for mothers’ labour market outcomes which in turn has consequences for gender differences in pay. In the Finnish context, earnings-related parental leave can be extended with home care allowance which enables mothers to choose their childcare leave length with varying benefit levels. We empirically test the importance of choice of childcare leave length for the subsequent child penalty. We apply Finnish register data with information on the length of childcare leave at the individual and workplace levels. By using workplace comparisons, we can account for some of the endogeneity in choices of workplace, parity, and childcare leave length. By instrumenting the leave length with varying home care allowance levels, we categorise always-takers, never-takers, and compliers. We find that the child penalty is heterogeneous and highly related to the choice of leave length. Always-takers use longer leaves than the workplace average and are penalised, while never-takers use shorter leaves than the workplace average and experience only a mild child penalty. Compliers adjust their leave lengths to the allowance level and experience child penalties in between. These results support that self-selection of childcare leave length has implications for post-birth outcomes and in addition, that family policy can affect the child penalty and the gender gap in pay.

Defining transnational families across countries and time: an analysis of academic discourse on the phenomenon between 2003 and 2023

ABSTRACT In an increasingly globalized, digital world, the way family is conceptualized and practiced is becoming highly diversified and complex. This article investigates the evolving concept of transnational families (TNFs) and aims to elucidate the similarities and differences in how ‘transnational’ and ‘family’ are understood in the academic literature across various contexts. The study is based on an analysis of academic publications on TNF from 2003 to 2023, conducted by a multidisciplinary and multilingual team across several small and medium-sized European countries (both EU and non-EU) with diverse migration histories, family policies and family norms. The analysis reveals varying levels of interest in TNFs and diverse thematic focuses across different contexts over time. It identifies two distinct approaches to conceptualizing TNFs and notes that research continues to primarily focus on dyadic relationships, rarely delving into complex familial networks or addressing non-heteronormative family forms. This highlights the need to further reflect on the ways that globalization and superdiversity are (re)shaping traditional concepts of family and home across different contexts.

Green for us: parental compensation for children's unsustainable behaviors.

This study explores the impact of children's unsustainable behaviors on parental sustainable actions within family dynamics. Findings reveal that parents exposed to their children's unsustainable behaviors experience heightened family and environmental responsibility, which motivates them to engage in both private-domain and public-domain sustainable behaviors. These effects are amplified in intergenerational caregiving contexts, where parents compensate for reduced caregiving roles by adopting more sustainable practices. Through four experiments, the research validates the mediating roles of family and environmental responsibility and the moderating influence of caregiver type. This study extends existing theories on intergenerational behavior transmission by highlighting the influence of children's unsustainable behaviors, offering valuable insights for family education strategies and policy development aimed at fostering sustainability within households.

Parental retirement and fertility decisions across family policy regimes

Parental retirement and fertility decisions across family policy regimes

Poverty exposure and poverty persistence for large families in Western Europe. A dynamic perspective

AbstractThis paper investigates income poverty in 14 Western European countries from 2004 to 2019, utilizing European statistics on income, social inclusion and living conditions longitudinal data. The study employs descriptive tables and panel regression models to examine poverty exposure and accumulation of poverty events over time for families with dependent children with a focus on large families with three and four or more children. The findings reveal that in all countries the reiteration of poverty spells, net of persistence dynamics, primarily results from higher risks for large families of falling back into poverty. The analysis shows large families experience carousels of poverty reoccurrence, especially among single‐earner households. All in all, analyses suggest the necessity for integrated social policies for large families, combining timely social transfers to mitigate current spells of poverty, with mid‐term follow‐up programs in the form of preventive measures tailored to families with recent poverty experiences.

CARE TRANSITIONS FROM HOSPITAL TO HOME: PERSPECTIVES FROM OLDER ADULTS, CAREGIVERS, AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract Background Saudi Arabia switched from hospital-focused to home-based care for older persons with long-term care needs due to a 25% increase in acute hospital bed occupancy for non-acute older adults. Healthcare professionals, older adults, and families are affected by the change in the care transition. Improvement in health outcomes depends on understanding all three groups. Aim This study aims to investigate the hospital-to-home transition of older adults with chronic conditions. The objective is to identify factors that facilitate or hinder the transition, with the aim of improving care during this critical phase. Methods The research employed a descriptive case study analysed with thematic analysis and an institutional ethnography. Pre- and post-discharge data were obtained from older adults, carers, and healthcare workers at King Saud Medical City using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participatory observation, and documentary analysis. Findings The findings indicate that culture, family, and national healthcare policies play a crucial role. Older adults and their caregivers encounter obstacles during the transition process, including gender segregation causing difficulties with care coordination. The lack of standardised post-discharge follow-up and fragmented care provision further contribute to these hurdles. Conclusion The research recommends creating a unified administration system as a necessary foundation for solving the largest problems in the transition. This may help Saudi Arabia’s care policymakers and planners create a family-centred healthcare system. Future research should focus on targeted strategies to improve the care transition experiences of older adults and their caregivers.

The Sustainability of PAYG Pension Schemes: A Comparative Analysis (1993–2023)

The most common policy response to pension account deficit appears to be increasing age of retirement. Many countries with PAYG pension schemes have been experiencing this bitter reality. This paper brings to evidence some parameters of PAYG pension schemes neglected in short political cycles, but important from the long-term perspectives. We use data from the Czech Republic and Germany, two economies close geographically and by population structure, yet different in pension schemes tradition and economic development. By a comparative analysis we show in detailed parameters that a balanced family policy combined with macroeconomic policies may allow keeping retirement age fixed in a sustainable PAYG pension scheme.

Research on the Influencing Factors of Rural Entrepreneurial Behavior of Graduates from Private Colleges in China

Against the backdrop of rural economic development, effectively cultivating high-quality innovative and entrepreneurial talents has become a focal point for Chinese higher education institutions. As an important part of higher education, private universities play an indispensable role in promoting rural and regional economic development. Taking Henan Province as an example, this paper studies the influencing factors of entrepreneurial behavior among graduates of private universities, aiming to reveal the key factors affecting graduates' entrepreneurial behavior and to propose corresponding policy recommendations. Through a literature review, the theoretical basis is analyzed, and research questions and models are proposed. The paper employs a questionnaire survey method, collecting relevant data from graduates of several private universities in Henan Province, and uses statistical analysis tools to process and analyze the data. The research results show that factors such as family background, entrepreneurial education, social resources, and policy support have influenced the entrepreneurial behavior of graduates from private universities to some extent. In addition, this paper also explores the moderating role of entrepreneurial awareness, entrepreneurial skills, and risk tolerance in entrepreneurial intentions. Based on the research findings, this paper proposes several suggestions: first, strengthen entrepreneurial education to enhance graduates' entrepreneurial skills; second, optimize policy support to provide a favorable external environment for graduates' entrepreneurship; third, make full use of social resources, strengthen school-enterprise cooperation, and provide graduates with more entrepreneurial opportunities and guidance. The research in this paper is not only significant for promoting entrepreneurship among graduates of private universities but also provides a scientific basis for local governments and universities to formulate relevant policies.

Female single-parent family: a public policy issue

The traditional family unit consisting of a father, mother, and children no longer prevails in society as it did decades ago, giving way to other family structures such as the single-parent family, where only one person takes on the parenting role. This article aims to analyze the conditions for implementing public policies aimed at preventing or mitigating the impact of gender inequality in single-parent families led by women. The question guiding the research is what public policies can be effective in mitigating discrimination and unequal treatment given to female single-parent families. The starting point was a theoretical review of Brazilian single-parent families, the causes and impacts of gender inequalities, and public policies. The methodological process includes the SWOT matrix analysis (an acronym in English for the words strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) for diagnosing barriers to the implementation of suggested public policies. The hypothesis is that some social barriers make it difficult to implement public policies for single-parent families. The results show social barriers such as: lower income attainment; limited access to basic goods and services for members of single-parent families due to their low income; uncertain insertion into the job market; no proper family assistance; intensification of women’s double workload; school dropout; physical and psychological illness. Public policies are suggested based on the study.

Strategic Elements of the Hungarian Family Support System after 2010: Achievements and Challenges

The study undertakes to outline the legal background of the family-friendly government policy built after 2010, its achievements and challenges. The authors examine the elements of Hungarian family policy, their effectiveness between 2010 and 2022 and the outcomes of family supports from the point of demography, welfare and well-being of Hungarians. The authors present the principles, legislative background, family policy indicators and results of this system. At the end of the study, they make an attempt to identify the new challenges and solution options in Hungarian family policy after 2022.

Populism, familialism, and borders: the interplay of family and anti-Muslim immigration policies in Hungary

Populism, familialism, and borders: the interplay of family and anti-Muslim immigration policies in Hungary

(In)visibilized? Roma in social, family and workfare policy discourses in the authoritarian neoliberal context of Hungary

PurposeThis article explores how a disadvantaged ethnic minority is portrayed in government discourses related to social, family and workfare policies in an illiberal and authoritarian neoliberal system, using the case of Hungary and Hungarian Roma. In our paper, relying on the theory of post-raciality and, within this, the concepts of (in)visibilization, we aim to reveal to what extent Roma are perceived as the undeserving racialized poor.Design/methodology/approachWe deployed the policy frame analysis method to categorize policy discourse content into different frames: diagnostic (identification of the problem), prognostic (solutions to problems) and motivational (incentives for action to mobilize people). Three data sources were used: pro-government media articles, state-of-the-nation address speeches and the party manifesto of the governing party. The timeframe of the analysis was between 2010 and 2023. The dataset consisted of 75 documents.FindingsOnly in a few cases did we find racializing language, typically at the beginning of the analyzed period, which gradually disappeared from the discourse, followed by a more paternalistic tone. We conclude that the notions of merit and self-responsibilization have been successfully used to hide (invisibilize) the structural causes of ethnic inequalities and shift the responsibility to individual efforts. The most vulnerable Roma, who are excluded from the labor market, are perceived as not accepting the neoliberal and paternalistic “social contract.” At the same time, they are made invisible by being omitted from the official narrative.Originality/valueA wide range of literature tackles questions like how neoliberal authoritarianism is related to workfare policies and ethnic minorities. Much less is said about how vulnerable ethnic minority groups are perceived in authoritarian neoliberal regimes. This paper contributes to a better understanding of how such regimes perceive minorities: the use of the categories of racialized or non-racialized, and deserving or undeserving minorities.

A Cohort Replacement of Household Labour Supply in Germany and the UK

In recent decades, fluctuating unemployment rates and welfare state retrenchment have led to increased levels of economic insecurity in some countries. At the same time, cultural norms and family policies have become more gender-egalitarian. While earlier research related these trends to the decline in the male breadwinner model, little is known about whether recent cohorts who entered adult life against the backdrop of a new socio-economic opportunity structure have established new configurations of household labour supply. Using sequence analysis and cluster analyses across harmonised longitudinal data (GSOEP, BHPS and Understanding Society) for a sample of adults born between 1961 and 1973 in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK), this study introduces an innovative indicator of household labour supply types and new descriptive findings on the cohort replacement of household labour supply in these two countries. Descriptive findings show that recent cohorts in both Germany and the UK are forming more gender-egalitarian households, as reflected by the decline in the male breadwinner model as well as by the rise of 1.5-male breadwinner households in Germany and dual-earner households in the UK. However, the proportion of single and low labour intensity households in recent cohorts has declined in the UK, while there has been no meaningful change in East Germany and a strong increase in West Germany. The evolution of household labour supply types can be attributed to the replacement of cohorts who entered adulthood and established their households under shifting socio-economic contexts and gender ideologies.

Temporary Aid for Needy Families as family policy for first time mothers

AbstractObjectiveThis brief report takes a life course approach to describe how first‐time mothers with low incomes participate in Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) before and after birth.BackgroundBy providing cash assistance to low‐income mothers with children, TANF functions as a major family policy.MethodPopulation data from a cohort of all births in Oregon across 2016–2017 are linked to TANF participation and employment histories. Centering on the birth event, the study window spanned 24 months before and after the first birth. Multivariate models are used to predict TANF participation around birth. A combination of sequence and cluster analyses illuminate within‐group patterns.ResultsAround one‐quarter of low‐income mothers relied on TANF at any time in the two‐year study window with about 70% of those participating in TANF during the 6 months after birth. The most common trajectory pattern (41%) was one of TANF enrollment around birth with high likelihood of exit by 6 months following birth, suggesting TANF may function as a short‐term substitute for paid work, that is, paid leave. Other trajectories were characterized by timing of enrollment (prenatal or postnatal) and duration of participation. Clusters with longer participation were comprised of mothers who were young, single, and with less labor market attachment.ConclusionsThe majority of low‐income single mothers who rely on TANF around birth participate in short spells and exit the program within 1 year. As more states implement paid family leave policies, low‐income mothers who previously enrolled in TANF may opt for paid leave.

Empirical research indicators for family cultural capital

The cultural capital of a family largely defines human resources, especially when it comes to young students (preschoolers, schoolchildren, college students, students of the first two years). The mechanisms of culture inheritance by younger generations are especially peculiar to analyse. The study of family resources is relevant due to the need for thorough human capital analysis, the details of educational and professional choice. The author of the methodological analysis presents a set of indicators relevant to the empirical study of family cultural capital. Among the proposed nine indicators, there are education of parents and the people themselves, parents' professions, family's attitude to higher education, knowledge of foreign languages in the family, the availability of a home library and Internet access. Such indicators as attendance at cultural events, family holidays, and family heirlooms are justified. Several internal characteristics are proposed for each referent. In the developed methodological model, the most appropriate sociological methods are identified, with the help of which it is convenient to analyze various elements of family cultural capital. The proposed indicators can be used in reflexive empirical research, that is, a representative survey, a biographical method, various types of questionnaires, and interviews. The findings of the study are useful for teaching students of sociological and cultural practices. The obtained results can be applied in family and educational policy, as well as analysing the ratio of requests and offers of the modern labour market.

프랑스 출산율 하락 현상에 대한 고찰과 정책적 시사점: 2014년 올랑드 정부의 가족정책 개혁을 중심으로

This study investigates the causes of France’s declining fertility rates and draws policy implications. In 2023, the nubmer of births in Frace fell below 700,000, and the total fertility rate dropped to 1.68, the lowest since World War II. Scholars attribute this decline to the 2014 family policy reforms implemented by President Hollande, which included differential family allowance payments, reduction of PAJE (prestation d’accueil du jeune enfant), abolition of CLCA (complement de libre choix d’activite), creation of PreParE (prestation partagée d’education de l’enfant), and lowering the family coefficient benefit cap. These reforms reduced state support, negatively impacting families' childbearing and childrearing decisions. Policy implications include ensuring policy credibility, fostering a democratic and egalitarian social culture, and recognizing families' proactive roles. The study suggests that policies should be implemented with long-term trust, prerequisites should be reviewed to maintain system intent, and the perception of families as passive entities should be changed. Future research should examine the government’s responses, fertility rate trends, and scholars' opinions over a longer period.