Family policy in transition: Why parents feel more meaning but less satisfaction

Family policy in transition: Why parents feel more meaning but less satisfaction

A current discussion about family policy in Germany and Sweden shows how different the approaches to supporting parents are. Scandinavian governments, particularly in Sweden, are continuously committed to easing the burden on parents, both financially and time-wise. These efforts are always viewed from an equality perspective, as the Bietigheimer Zeitung reports.

The positive developments are evident in an extensive study, which is also important for German politics. In particular, the progress of German family policy was internationally recognized at the end of the 2000s, especially through the expansion of child care and the introduction of parental allowance. Nevertheless, according to experts like Hudde, the current momentum in German family policy is hardly noticeable anymore. This condition leads many people to find meaning in their role as parents, despite the challenges of parenthood.

Comparison with Sweden

Sweden converted Moderskapspenning, known as maternity allowance, into parental insurance as early as 1974, giving the country a pioneering status in family policy. In 1978, an innovative poster campaign was launched to encourage men to apply for parental leave. The weightlifter Lennart “Hoa-Hoa” Dahlgren as an advertising figure was intended to promote a change in awareness in role models. What is particularly noteworthy is that despite the campaign, Dahlgren himself did not take parental leave, which illustrates how slowly social norms can change, as the Süddeutsche Zeitung shows.

Swedish politics shows that such incentives can bring about political changes in societal expectations. The introduction of family-friendly laws often also leads to an increase in gender equality and changes behavioral norms over time.

German politics in comparison

Compared to Sweden, German family policy did not fare too well in a study published by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The study compares family policy from an equality policy perspective in Germany, France, Great Britain and Sweden. It becomes clear that Germany has the most unfavorable conditions, while Sweden and France offer much better conditions.

The discussion around family issues is particularly influenced by the involvement of fathers in the family and the diversification of lifestyles. In Germany, the aim is to achieve a better work-life balance, but it remains to be hoped that political decision-makers will feel inspired to initiate the necessary reforms.

Overall, there is a changing mentality within society, in which many parents are looking for meaning and belonging in their role. Family policy must respond to this in order to give families the support they deserve.