Why We Should Focus on Families in Policymaking, and Why We Don’t Chapter 2 © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Why We Should Focus on Families in Policymaking, and Why We Don’t

Chapter 2 Outline Why Consider Families? Why Consider Policy? © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Chapter 2 Outline Why Consider Families? Why Consider Policy? Why Are Families Marginalized in Policymaking? Are families valued by policymakers, professionals, and the public? Is family policy impeded by rapid changes in family life, skepticism about the government’s role, and lack of professionals trained in evidence-based family policy? Summary

© Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Why Consider Families? Family, in one of its many forms, has been part of every known human society. Stories that portray family life in all its diversity have captured our attention for generations. Much of what we do in the present is for the purpose of fostering hope for the future.

© Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Why Consider Policy? Policy shapes the conditions under which families operate (e.g., maternity and parental leave). But… Policies are often viewed and implemented from an individualistic perspective (e.g., Social Security; education). Most policymakers would not think of passing a law without considering its economic impact, yet family considerations are seldom taken into account in the normal routine of policymaking.

Why Are Families Marginalized in Policymaking? © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Why Are Families Marginalized in Policymaking? Are families valued by policymakers? In rhetoric and writing, policymakers regularly espouse the importance of families. High-profile politicians in both major parties prioritize family policies in their campaigns. Support for families has constantly and consistently been endorsed by presidential candidates. The symbol of family appeals to common values that can rise above politics and provide common ground.

Why Are Families Marginalized in Policymaking? © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Why Are Families Marginalized in Policymaking? Are families valued by professionals? Professionals from many realms have repeatedly endorsed the value of families in policies, programs, and practices across a number of issues. Family scientists have made significant progress in the last two decades identifying effective family-centered approaches for prevention and intervention programs.

Why Are Families Marginalized in Policymaking? © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Why Are Families Marginalized in Policymaking? Are families valued by the public? Percent of citizens reporting that families are very important in select Western nations (Pew Research Center, 2010)

© Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 If Policymakers, Professionals, and the Public Endorse the Importance of Families to a Strong and Vital Society, Why Does Family Policy Still Take a Back Seat to Economic Policy? Rapid changes in family life Skepticism about government’s role in family life Lack of professionals trained in evidence-based family policy

Rapid Changes in Family Life © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Rapid Changes in Family Life Contemporary families are affected by a number of demographic forces: delays in fertility and marriage; increases in cohabitation, divorce, and nonmarital childbearing; and a rise in maternal employment since the 1960s. Recent demographic shifts have split families into the haves and the have-nots. Families today face decreased social mobility, stagnant wages, higher poverty rates, and increased instability.

Skepticism about Government’s Role in Family Life © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Skepticism about Government’s Role in Family Life Rapid changes in family life require new forms of family support. Public investments in U.S. families have grown substantially over the last 25 years, gradually legitimizing government’s role in supporting families. Government support for families has been patched together by policymakers without a comprehensive vision for family policy. Policy has not kept pace with recent shifts in the economy, family demographics, and family life.

Lack of Professionals Trained in Evidence-Based Family Policy © Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Lack of Professionals Trained in Evidence-Based Family Policy Calls for evidence-based policy have become routine and family rhetoric has become rampant among policymakers and professionals. However, we have few formal bodies, little leadership, and meager resources devoted to what can be done, how best to proceed, or who should assume responsibility. Most researchers and professionals are trained in social science or in policy work, but not in both.

© Routledge/Taylor & Francis 2014 Summary Policymakers, professionals, and the public endorse the importance of families, yet family considerations are not routinely incorporated into policy decisions. This may be due to rapid changes in family life, uncertainty about the role of government, and lack of professionals trained to advance family policy. Increasingly, the legitimacy of government’s role in supporting family functions is being recognized. Family professionals are encouraged to promote family impacts as a criterion for policy decisions.