The Reconstruction of Family Policy

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In the past decade, the role of government in society has undergone significant reevaluation globally, particularly regarding public social welfare policy. This collection of essays delves into family policy in the United States, addressing the political debates over service provision and funding, alongside intellectual inquiries into social organization and its state role. The work is organized into three sections that reassess critical elements of the current family policy discourse. The first section investigates core features of family policy, questioning potential conflicts of interest between adults and children and outlining a feminist perspective on family policy. The second section links ideology to action, discussing topics such as the relationship between state political culture and family policy, issues affecting latchkey children, the treatment of the elderly, abortion, and family policy in China. The final section analyzes specific policies, including AFDC program cutbacks, the decline in family planning resources, nonfamily-based care, and joint custody arrangements, assessing their impacts. A concluding chapter looks forward to the future of family policy. This work serves as a vital resource for students and professionals in public policy studies and sociology, and is a significant addition to both public and academic libraries.