Background

The Relationships Foundation is interested in a broad range of relationships, but one of the most crucial is the family. Research shows that stable, loving families are the heart of a strong society.

Family relationships are key to social progress and have come to greater prominence in political debate due to their links to a wide range of social outcomes. They contribute directly to wellbeing through the experience of empathy, connection, as well as meaning, purpose, identity and belonging. They provide financial, practical and emotional support, influencing health, education and employment outcomes. When they go right they bring great benefits, but when they go wrong they have a profound impact on public finances – our annually updated estimate is £41bn.

Family policy affects every area of policy. Family is not just a private issue or the concern of lobbying groups, but is a key determining factor is achieving a range of policy objectives.

The influence of family on a range of policy areas is demonstrated by the penumbra. The penumbra includes areas in which the family has a positive role to play – places in which family relationships can build capacity, exert influence and give support. But penumbra issues can also put pressure on families. We therefore argue that all policy should be subject to a triple test and family proofed.

Shaping Family Policy

Whilst family relationships are important for many policy outcomes, there are limits to what policy can do, and is appropriate for it to do, in shaping family relationships. Stronger relationships cannot be legislated into existence, and privacy and freedom should be respected.

However, family policy is important for the following reasons: 

- First, to promote wellbeing, which depends significantly on family and other relationships.
- Second, to increase social mobility. Families are a key source of social capital, which provides opportunities and the capability to take advantage of them.
- Third, to reduce the social and economic costs and consequences of weak and fractured relationships. We can no longer ignore the cost of family breakdown.

We propose three basic strategies: looking at how policy shapes the motivation, opportunity and support for relationships. The levers through which policy can influence this include finance, time, place, social norms, relational skills, the delivery of public services. This forms the basis of our approach to family proofing policy.

See also:
Family Policy Project Research
Family Policy Project Current work
Family Policy Project Media 

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