About the Book: Conclusion

Private Lives, Public Policies:
Profound change has transformed the world's families in the past three generations. Democratization of society and family, widespread education, better health and contraception have altered family structure, inter-generational relationships and gender roles everywhere. A diversity of family forms is the result. Some believe nuclear families are the best model, others say the nuclear family has failed to provide adequate support in an increasing complex world. Still others celebrate the diversity of life-style choices that lead to new ways of caring for one another. Housing, child and elderly care, transportation, health, education and training, labor policies and environmental protection are but a few of the sectors that those interviewed say must be family-focused and child-friendly. What insights are offered by the words of families herein? By the policies of their nations? If we are serious about maintaining caring families, how should public policies be revised to meet the needs of future generations that speak here?

Foreword | Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Conclusion