Current issues of family policy in Denmark

In: Family policies in the context of family change. The Nordic countries in comparative perspective., p. 57-74

Abstract

"This article traces recent changes in Danish family policy. The current government seems focussed on maintaining state support of families with young children, but it aims at changing day care institutions into more school-like places by emphasising common curricula and trying to change the lifestyle of many children (and parents) regarding unhealthy nutrition that lead to problems of obesity and poor health. There is also a focus on children's right to two parents, both a father and a mother, which translates into discussion of issues such as custody regulation, visiting rights. During the 1990s and 2000s, Danish governments have firmly committed themselves particularly to the needs of middle-class families, but while the Social Democratic governments tried to change the gender biases (by establishing 'use or lose' elements within parental leave), the present Conservative-Liberal government is pursuing a more traditional path by introducing individualised, liberal and familistic forms of family policies." (author's abstract).