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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:

  • To investigate the diversity of
    family forms, relationships,
    and life courses in Europe.
  • To assess the compatibility of
    existing policies with family
    changes.
  • To contribute to evidence-
    based policy-making.

The project will extend our knowledge on how policies promote well-being, inclusion and sustainable societal development among families.

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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.