What will families look like in the future? Are existing social- and family policies compatible with changes in family patterns? These and related questions are addressed in the large-scale integrating project FamiliesAndSocieties – Changing families and sustainable societies: Policy contexts and diversity over the life course and across generations, coordinated by Stockholm University.
The collaborative research project is financed in the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (€6.5 millions in EU contribution; grant no. 320116). Launched in February 1, 2013 it will continue until January 31, 2017.
The main objectives of the project are:
The project will extend our knowledge on how policies promote well-being, inclusion and sustainable societal development among families.
Multidisciplinary approach: We combine a wide range of expertise in social sciences, law and the humanities represented in the consortium of 25 research partners from 15 European countries, and three transnational civil society actors.
Database: Two new databases will be developed within the project: one of the legal content of family forms available in European countries, and another on EC/EU initiatives in core family-policy areas.
Best policy practices: Together with various stakeholders, government agencies, national and local policy-makers, non-governmental organizations and additional members of the scientific community across Europe, the project will identify and disseminate innovative and best policy practices.