Question
summarize the text below
Informed by the synthesised findings of the WG2 scoping studies, in this Brief this framework is employed to:
a) Set out evidence-informed, comprehensive, holistic and collaborative agendas to support the development of family support policy, provision and practice for family welfare, children’s rights, gender equality and social justice.
b) Recognise and examine the complex and contested nature of family support within and across European countries.
c) Promote analysis of the significance of these domains to families in context, that includes a focus on the interconnections (or disconnections) between all three domains in shaping access to, experiences of, and outcomes from, family support initiatives for children, parents and families.
d) Understand and examine family support practice, provision and policy in ways that are attentive to the role of broader social, political and institutional contexts.
The concept of family and parenting
Consideration of Family support cannot proceed without consideration of the concept of Family. As a fundamental social institution, ‘families’ are viewed as the primary environment for social care, belonging and inclusion. In all European countries there is a heavy reliance on family roles related to social care, parenthood and children,
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family relationships and resource provision. These family functions are crucial if the developmental needs of children and young people are to be met. This is achieved through the; provision of care, nurture, and protection for their welfare, and the cultivation of social values that support their inclusion in society more widely (Churchill et al., 2021: 13).
However, as EurofamNet aims to promote advancements in family support for children, parents and families with children, the conceptualisation of childhood and parenthood must be recognised as shaped by context and change. This is a crucial consideration for the development for family support provision as the interaction between child development and the social ecology of the ‘micro, meso and macro’ social interactions, norms and contexts can influence the outcomes for their welfare (Churchill et al, 2021).
For example, there remains considerable emphasis on the idea that “the family” consists of a heterosexual nuclear couple-headed family household with dependent children. However, this normative position and assumption is inadequate given its limited, biased and partial conception of the complexities of, and changes in, family formations and social meanings (Ribbens-McCarthy et al, 2012). This has implications for the recognition of diverse family forms and networks of caring, and the allocation of resources and supports to these families. Key literature emphasises the fundamental importance of policy makers, service providers and practitioners engaging with the diversity of family formations and lives; and to recognise the full breadth of forms and relationships that might be referred to as ‘a family’ in any given instance. With greater recognition for same-sex marriage and parenthood rights alongside the diversity of family households and the significance of extended family networks, this allows for recognition of the diversity of identities, contexts, preferences and circumstances which inform and influence parenthood, childhood and family life. Points of discussion in this Briefing, however, are the potential challenges for family support and family welfare that arise from conflicts and tensions between institutional and social meanings and frameworks related to the concepts of ‘family’, ‘parenthood’ and ‘childhood’ (Ribbens-McCarthy et al, 2012; Churchill et al, 2021).
Beyond the many forms ‘a family’ may take in society, family life itself encompasses relational practices such as partnering and childrearing and other forms of care, which can interact with the demographics of the family, intergenerational and gendered relational dynamics (Ribbens-McCarthy et al, 2012). These in turn interact with broader cultural, economic, political and social systems. For example, a key learning from the EurofamNet project is that “the fragility and diversity of family relationships, individualization and shrinking size of households are seen both as a result of change in the system of values and the processes of economics” (Putniņa,
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2020: 46). This is a crucial consideration for policy makers whose decisions in multiple domains impact on family lives and functioning.
The notion of parenthood also needs some critical elaboration. The following perspectives informthis briefing, firstlyour conceptionof parents is broadandinclusive and reflected in McCarthy and Edwards (2011: 141) distinction:
“Parent refers to a particular status, or category of person, who is identified as standing in a special relationship with an individual child or related children. Parenthood refers to how this category or role is institutionalised as a social form. Parenting generally refers to a set of practices and activities and thus draws attention to what a person does as a parent in relation to their children.”
Given the significance of modern trends towards increasing family diversity, it is important to recognise those engaging in parental roles not only incorporate ‘biological parents’ but also many others including ‘stepparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, grandparents or other relatives’ (Boddy et al 2009: 14). Furthermore, parenting also often conceived and experienced in gendered terms related to motherhood and fatherhood:
“[P]arenting is understood as the ongoing sets of relationships and activities that are involved for all of those who are parenting and raising children. Parenting is seen as a process involving a set of intellectual, emotional and material adjustments enabling adults to become parents, in other, to meet children’s needs in the physical, emotional, intellectual and words social spheres […] it is also recognised parenting is a gendered activity in that the experiences and approaches of mothers and fathers often differ.” (Daly, Abela et al. 2007: 11-12)
Informed by the synthesised findings of the WG2 scoping studies, in this Brief this framework is employed to:
a) Set out evidence-informed, comprehensive, holistic and collaborative agendas to support the development of family support policy, provision and practice for family welfare, children’s rights, gender equality and social justice.
b) Recognise and examine the complex and contested nature of family support within and across European countries.
c) Promote analysis of the significance of these domains to families in context, that includes a focus on the interconnections (or disconnections) between all three domains in shaping access to, experiences of, and outcomes from, family support initiatives for children, parents and families.
d) Understand and examine family support practice, provision and policy in ways that are attentive to the role of broader social, political and institutional contexts.
The concept of family and parenting
Consideration of Family support cannot proceed without consideration of the concept of Family. As a fundamental social institution, ‘families’ are viewed as the primary environment for social care, belonging and inclusion. In all European countries there is a heavy reliance on family roles related to social care, parenthood and children,
A framework for child and family support in Europe | 11
family relationships and resource provision. These family functions are crucial if the developmental needs of children and young people are to be met. This is achieved through the; provision of care, nurture, and protection for their welfare, and the cultivation of social values that support their inclusion in society more widely (Churchill et al., 2021: 13).
However, as EurofamNet aims to promote advancements in family support for children, parents and families with children, the conceptualisation of childhood and parenthood must be recognised as shaped by context and change. This is a crucial consideration for the development for family support provision as the interaction between child development and the social ecology of the ‘micro, meso and macro’ social interactions, norms and contexts can influence the outcomes for their welfare (Churchill et al, 2021).
For example, there remains considerable emphasis on the idea that “the family” consists of a heterosexual nuclear couple-headed family household with dependent children. However, this normative position and assumption is inadequate given its limited, biased and partial conception of the complexities of, and changes in, family formations and social meanings (Ribbens-McCarthy et al, 2012). This has implications for the recognition of diverse family forms and networks of caring, and the allocation of resources and supports to these families. Key literature emphasises the fundamental importance of policy makers, service providers and practitioners engaging with the diversity of family formations and lives; and to recognise the full breadth of forms and relationships that might be referred to as ‘a family’ in any given instance. With greater recognition for same-sex marriage and parenthood rights alongside the diversity of family households and the significance of extended family networks, this allows for recognition of the diversity of identities, contexts, preferences and circumstances which inform and influence parenthood, childhood and family life. Points of discussion in this Briefing, however, are the potential challenges for family support and family welfare that arise from conflicts and tensions between institutional and social meanings and frameworks related to the concepts of ‘family’, ‘parenthood’ and ‘childhood’ (Ribbens-McCarthy et al, 2012; Churchill et al, 2021).
Beyond the many forms ‘a family’ may take in society, family life itself encompasses relational practices such as partnering and childrearing and other forms of care, which can interact with the demographics of the family, intergenerational and gendered relational dynamics (Ribbens-McCarthy et al, 2012). These in turn interact with broader cultural, economic, political and social systems. For example, a key learning from the EurofamNet project is that “the fragility and diversity of family relationships, individualization and shrinking size of households are seen both as a result of change in the system of values and the processes of economics” (Putniņa,
A framework for child and family support in Europe | 12
2020: 46). This is a crucial consideration for policy makers whose decisions in multiple domains impact on family lives and functioning.
The notion of parenthood also needs some critical elaboration. The following perspectives informthis briefing, firstlyour conceptionof parents is broadandinclusive and reflected in McCarthy and Edwards (2011: 141) distinction:
“Parent refers to a particular status, or category of person, who is identified as standing in a special relationship with an individual child or related children. Parenthood refers to how this category or role is institutionalised as a social form. Parenting generally refers to a set of practices and activities and thus draws attention to what a person does as a parent in relation to their children.”
Given the significance of modern trends towards increasing family diversity, it is important to recognise those engaging in parental roles not only incorporate ‘biological parents’ but also many others including ‘stepparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, grandparents or other relatives’ (Boddy et al 2009: 14). Furthermore, parenting also often conceived and experienced in gendered terms related to motherhood and fatherhood:
“[P]arenting is understood as the ongoing sets of relationships and activities that are involved for all of those who are parenting and raising children. Parenting is seen as a process involving a set of intellectual, emotional and material adjustments enabling adults to become parents, in other, to meet children’s needs in the physical, emotional, intellectual and words social spheres […] it is also recognised parenting is a gendered activity in that the experiences and approaches of mothers and fathers often differ.” (Daly, Abela et al. 2007: 11-12)
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The text outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at developing family support policies within European contexts, focusing on family welfare, children's rights, gender equality, and social justice. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexities and variations in family structures across Europe, moving beyond traditional notions of family to include diverse forms and dynamics. The framework advocates for the analysis of family support in relation to broader social, political, and institutional contexts, recognizing the interconnectedness of child development, family roles, and societal norms.
Key points include the need for policies to reflect the diversity of family forms, the significance of intergenerational relationships and gender dynamics in parenting, and the changing nature of parenthood. The briefing highlights the importance of considering various parental roles beyond biological parents, including stepparents and grandparents, and stresses the necessity for support systems to adapt to these evolving family contexts. Ultimately, it calls for a holistic approach to family support that appreciates the intricate relationships and societal influences affecting family life.
Key points include the need for policies to reflect the diversity of family forms, the significance of intergenerational relationships and gender dynamics in parenting, and the changing nature of parenthood. The briefing highlights the importance of considering various parental roles beyond biological parents, including stepparents and grandparents, and stresses the necessity for support systems to adapt to these evolving family contexts. Ultimately, it calls for a holistic approach to family support that appreciates the intricate relationships and societal influences affecting family life.