Page 115 - IJPS-11-3

International Journal of
Population Studies Family policy from a global perspective

weddings and funerals, often retain religious contexts. The 1.3.5. Societal attitudes toward demographic
impact of specific religious beliefs is particularly evident in development and fertility
the socialization of children (Sherkat, 2003). It is, therefore, In addition to exploring individual-level attitudes and
conceivable that differences in secular and emancipative cultural values associated with the four dimensions
values also shape the objectives and forms of family policy discussed earlier, we propose that societal stances on
in various societies. demographic development and the salience of fertility

1.3.3. Gender roles issues in sociopolitical discourse can significantly
influence family policy strategies. Societies differ in the
The roles of women and men in both the family and level of importance they attach to population trends, even
society have undergone notable transformations in many if objectively, they are at the same level of demographic
regions worldwide. One of the most significant trends in development. This is crucial because it is often hypothesized
recent decades across contemporary societies has been the that demographic pressure can trigger state interventions
increasing labor force participation of women, representing in families (Böger et al., 2022).
a significant departure from traditional norms. However,
progress in changing men’s roles within the family sphere In many countries, there is a keen awareness of
has lagged behind. Early family policy goals included population growth or decline in relation to sustainable
providing protection for mothers (Son, 2024), although development agendas and concerns about population
it is worth noting that employment protection for new control, low fertility rates, aging populations, and a shrinking
mothers can also be viewed through the lenses of health labor force. Governments themselves hold opinions on
and labor market policies. Attitudes toward women as intervening in population development, and family policy
mothers and as workers remain diverse and often lag can serve as a tool for such interventions (UN, 2011b). The
behind the changing positions of women within the labor specific measures within family policy are, therefore, likely
market. The direct and indirect costs of childbearing and to be influenced by pro- or anti-natalist objectives or an
childrearing continue to be disproportionately borne indifferent approach to population development within
by women, including the burden of domestic labor a given country. Furthermore, it has been argued that
(Abramowski, 2020; Treas & Drobnič, 2010). Indicators family policies supporting the combination of work and
of gender inequality, such as the Gender Inequality Index parenthood – unlike support for the traditional family with
or Gender Development Index, persistently highlight the separate gender spheres – could increase fertility in low-
unequal status of women in private, occupational, and fertility countries, probably mediated in part by female labor
political spheres (UN, n.d.). Cultural models governing force participation (Wesolowski & Ferrarini, 2018). Overall,
the division of labor by gender and societal attitudes and it can be assumed that the perception that fertility rates in
a country are (too) low coincides with less conservative
norms regarding what men and women should or should cultural values regarding the family and gender roles, both
not do profoundly impact the opportunities and barriers to of which tend to favor progressive family policy.
equitable participation for both genders, thereby shaping
the development of family policy measures. 2. Data and methods

1.3.4. Openness toward diverse family forms Assessing cultural dimensions poses a significant challenge,
In many societies, opposite-sex marriage has traditionally even more so than evaluating economic, politico-legal,
served as the cornerstone for establishing new families or demographic indicators on a global scale. Cultural
and connecting existing ones. This institution has indicators rely on the assessment of attitudes and values,
provided a legally accepted framework for childbirth, which reflect people’s states of mind, opinions, emotional
child-rearing, and the creation of familial bonds through responses, and evaluations of specific issues. Typically, this
in-law relationships. Views on the importance of marriage type of data is collected through surveys and is not readily
in forming partnerships, bearing children, divorce, available from national statistical offices.
remarriage, and single parenthood vary considerably Despite the proliferation of cross-national surveys in
among individuals (Chambers & Gracia, 2021). In recent decades, their coverage is often limited to well-
particular, attitudes and legal regulations concerning same- established cases, primarily within the European Union
sex partnerships and same-sex families exhibit notable (EU) and, to a lesser extent, OECD countries. For countries
divergence across countries and world regions (Chung, in other world regions, comparative survey data can be
2021; Pettinicchio, 2012; Roberts, 2019). These variations scarce. Even when high-quality surveys are conducted
hold significant implications for the very definition of the in individual countries, comparability across languages,
family and the inclusivity of family policy measures. cultures, and contexts becomes a significant hurdle.

Volume 11 Issue 3 (2025) 109 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.1993