Family policy in transformation: USA and British policies

Abstract

"In the US and UK there has been a transformation in child care, family leave, social assistance, work activation and tax credits in the last twenty years. These policies have been expanded or radically reformed, and this book explores the factors behind these changes. Using detailed case studies Dorian R. Woods finds that ideas and the power to wield them are some of the most crucial factors in the transformation of family policy. Woods' analysis shows that ideology and power are predominant factors in family policy-making because the policies are strongly associated with beliefs about families. The parties and influential women's groups who have close ties to power elites could impact policy change with new ideas at critical moments. Woods argues that governments need to be receptive to prevailing views around families and have to convincingly justify new family policy goals"--Provided by publisher.