PAM 3360

Evolving Families: Challenges to Public Policy

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

Examines the social institution of the family, challenges to the institution's well-being and stability, and the role of public policy in these transformations. Topics include family structure and responsibilities; marriage as a traditional building block of the family and challenges to the institution of marriage, including divorce, nonmarital childbearing, cohabitation, and same-sex unions; children, and the impact of family change on their wellbeing, including the effects of child poverty, maternal employment, and paternal involvement. The role of public policy in managing and shaping these developments is discussed.

When Offered Fall.

• Describe the demographic changes affecting family functioning, and the public policies designed to address these changes.
• Compare how family demographics are similar to and different from those in other developed countries.
• Analyze current public policies designed to address family change; assess targets of opportunity for policy change that might better address the demographic reality of particular groups; identify areas in need of additional policy focus.

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