familiepolitik

Familienpolitik, or family policy, refers to government measures intended to support households with children and to promote child welfare, gender equality, and social cohesion. It encompasses financial transfers, services, and regulatory frameworks that shape how families combine work and parenting.

Common tools include child benefits or allowances, tax relief, paid parental leave with income-replacement benefits, affordable and accessible childcare and early education, and health and social services for children. Policy design varies: some schemes are universal, others targeted to low- and middle-income families; durations and replacement rates differ; services may be publicly provided or subsidized.

Goals and effects: to reduce child poverty, raise labor-force participation, especially among mothers, support child development, and influence fertility decisions. Evidence on fertility effects is mixed and policy impact depends on design, financing, and labor market context. Cost considerations and political preferences shape ambition and sustainability.

Examples: Nordic countries emphasize long, compensated parental leave and high-quality childcare; Germany combines parental leave with Elterngeld and ElterngeldPlus and relies on a mix of services; many other countries use a combination of cash benefits and care services. In recent decades, debates center on balancing universal access with affordability, and on achieving gender equality in care work.