By Wang Liejun, Research Department of Social Development, DRC

Research Report, No.309, 2021 (Total 6374) 2021-10-22

Abstract: Family policies came into being in advanced countries in 1970s or 1980s when significant changes took place in the form and structure of marriage and family, the total childbirth rate became lower than the replacement level and more females entered the labor market. There are two kinds of family policies in advanced countries. One is to balance work and family, with the aim to support childbirth and parenting and to guarantee female rights to participate in the economy. Policy tools include social child care measures and supporting measures for family-based child care (maternity leave and parenting leave). The other is based on taxation and welfare, with the aims to relieve the childcare burden on families, prevent child poverty and regulate income. Main policy tools include cash welfare relating to family income or non-income, such as expense reduction or exemption on medical, education and childcare services, and material assistance like food coupons. These policies do not have an obvious impact on increasing childbirth rate while they exert a positive impact on supporting female employment, and their effects on relieving child poverty are relatively prominent.

Keywords: family policy, family welfare, population, advanced countries