Family Policy: Becoming a Field of Inquiry and Subfield of Social Policy

Abstract

This decade review centers on 2 disconnects between rhetoric and reality. First, public investments in families continue to grow, yet family policy is still not a term widely used by policymakers or the public. Second, social science studies increased in number and sophistication, with some family sensitive and others policy relevant. Few focus on both, which is what is most needed if research is to inform family policy. In exploring these disconnects, we summarize recent trends in family policies and the influence of research on family policymaking. We suggest a rationale for family policy and illustrate its value using the examples of early childhood, welfare reform, and parent education policies. We conclude with suggested next steps.In the spirit of a decade review, we look forward by first looking back. In the past decade, we have observed that family policy remains undeveloped as a focus of intellectual inquiry despite the growing reach of public policy on families. On the basis of our assessment of the current state of the field, family policy has not merited sufficient attention

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Policymakers' Use of Social Science Research: Looking Within and Across Policy Actors

“…Yet studies of research use in policymaking have been few, particularly in the realm of family policy (Bogenschneider & Corbett, 2010b), most are dated, and the results have been equivocal (Huston, 2008). Yet studies of research use in policymaking have been few, particularly in the realm of family policy (Bogenschneider & Corbett, 2010b), most are dated, and the results have been equivocal (Huston, 2008).…”

Family Policy in South Korea: Development, Current Status, and Challenges

“…Bogenschneider and Corbett (2010) argued that it is essential to have a clear rationale for a strong family policy to elevate family research and construct a national family policy. Alarmed by the demographic changes in Korea, there has been social consensus on the importance of the family as a producer of healthy citizens and workers.…”