"The Dynamics of Family Policy is based on the idea that all policy will affect the institution of the family. The book outlines the current state of family trends, the diversity of family forms in the United States, and underlying relationships to race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. The authors cover the effects of social problems, and the policies designed to combat them, in major areas such as welfare, food, and housing; work and employment; health care; the care and support of children; family violence; domestic partnerships and marriage; and aging. The book includes theoretical frameworks for conceptualizing poverty, and outlines the policy practice roles that professionals play in developing, implementing, and monitoring family policy. The combination of real family histories and the analysis of government interventions in The Dynamics of Family Policy will enable students to identify and maximize their role as they begin their careers in the helping professions."--Publisher's description

The term family policy refers to social programs, laws, and public directives, which are designed to promote marriages, reproduction, and raising children. These policies also ensure child protection, and child and spousal support, and seek to resolve differences between work and family. Family policies are usually laid down by the state but employers or voluntary organizations may also establish them. The state comprises the legislature and government that creates laws and policies along with the agencies that are mandated and financed to enforce them, such as child welfare agencies. Most of the family-focused policy initiatives are related to marriage incentives, family caregiving across lifespan, and the care and support of children. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the dynamics of family policy. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

The term family policy refers to social programs, laws, and public directives, which are designed to promote marriages, reproduction, and raising children. These policies also ensure child protection, and child and spousal support, and seek to resolve differences between work and family. Family policies are usually laid down by the state but employers or voluntary organizations may also establish them. The state comprises the legislature and government that creates laws and policies along with the agencies that are mandated and financed to enforce them, such as child welfare agencies. Most of the family-focused policy initiatives are related to marriage incentives, family caregiving across lifespan, and the care and support of children. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the dynamics of family policy. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Whether considered from an American or a European perspective, the past four decades have seen family life become increasingly complex. Changing Family Dynamics and Demographic Evolution examines the various stages of change through the image of a kaleidoscope, providing new insights into the field of family dynamics and diversity.

Work-life integration is an increasingly hot topic in the media, social research, governments and in people’s everyday lives. This volume offers a new type of lens for understanding work-family reconciliation by studying how work-family dynamics are shaped, squeezed and developed between consistent or competing logics in different societies in Europe and the US. The three institutions of "state", "family" and "working life", and their under-explored primary logics of "regulation", "morality" and "economic competitiveness" are examined theoretically as well as empirically throughout the chapters, thus contributing to an understanding of the contemporary challenges within the field of work-family research that combines structure and culture. Particular attention is given to the ways in which the institutions are confronted with various moral norms of good parenthood or motherhood and ideals for family life. Likewise, the logic of policy regulation and gendered family moralities are challenged by the economic logic of working life, based on competition in favour of the most productive workers and organizations. Demonstrating different aspects of what is behind and between the logics of state regulation, morals and market, this innovative volume will appeal to students, teachers and researchers interested in areas such as family studies, welfare state studies, social policy studies, work life studies as well as and gender studies.

Bridging individual and family approaches, the Wachtels demonstrate in rich clinical detail just how the incorporation of new ideas and methods derived from family therapy can enrich the work of most therapists.