Policy Press Family policy matters: Responding to family change in Europe

Across Europe and beyond, changing family living arrangements have stimulated popular and academic debate about the impact of socio-demographic trends on family well-being and the challenges they present for governments. This path-breaking book explores the complex relationship between family change and public policy responses in EU member states and candidate countries. After comparing the major socio-economic changes of the late 20th century in Europe and their impact on family and working life, it analyses both the reactions of policy makers and users as they respond to change and the perceptions families have of public policy and its relative importance in their lives. Review "Governments across Europe are facing new needs and demands as a consequence of increased diversity of family forms and ways of living, working and caring. This excellent new book provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date account of these issues in the wider European context. It will provide an invaluable resource for comparative family policy analysis." Jane Millar, Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath "Family Policy Matters is impressive in its scope and analysis of family policy processes in EU member states and candidate countries. The book provides valuable insights into public perceptions of family policy across Europe, and challenges received wisdom about the impact of policy on families' daily lives and the decisions they take about living arrangements. It is likely to be an important and informative source for comparative family policy analysis for many years to come." Susan McRae, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Graduate Studies), Oxford Brookes University About the Author Linda Hantrais is Professor of European Social Policy and Director of the European Research Centre at Loughborough University.