SEMINARS SPRING 2008
HONR 219W How Policymaking Affects Families
Tuesday/Thursday, 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Dr. Elaine Anderson, Department of Family Science
"What is the impact of federal and state government policies or programs on families?"
Historically, an individualistic perspective has pervaded American domestic policies. Most policymaking focuses on the effects and outcomes for individuals — children, youth, women, men, elderly — and ignores the effects on families. In spite of attempts in the past 25 years to encourage a family perspective in policymaking, there are still few policies the adequately address the family perspective. Yet, family-centered policies have proven more effective in enhancing academic achievement, promoting positive youth development, preventing violence, delinquency and disease than policies focused on individuals. A family policy perspective can create a policy agenda that recognizes the connectedness of individuals to one another and therefore assumes greater responsibility for the common good in our society.
This course explores the impact of government policy on family life at both the federal and state levels. We examine the varied effects domestic policies and programs have on different types of families and different aspects of family functioning and well-being. Finally, we review the process of policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. Students will understand the process of advocating for families and how to get involved in the policy process. Students will also conduct a family policy impact analysis.
The class uses both lectures and seminar-style formats, where students exchange ideas and information. The format is designed to facilitate interaction between all class participants, develop critical thinking, elicit debate, and provide students the opportunity to determine the direction of their class projects and take responsibility for their learning. Assignments include three group projects and a major term project where students analyze a piece of legislation, including relevant research about the problem, historical initiatives related to the legislation, and a family impact analysis evaluation.
Readings will include selections from: Bogenschneider, K. (2006). Family policy matters: How policymaking affects families and what professionals can do; Ooms, T., & Preister, S. (Eds.) (1988). A strategy for strengthening families: Using family criteria in policymaking and program evaluation. Washington DC: The Family Impact Seminar; and additional readings assembled in a reading packet.
CORE: Social and Behavioral Sciences [SB]
