New social platform boosts research on families
Modern values, rapidly ageing populations and a shift in priorities are all changing our fundamental understanding of the European family. Current research on family well-being is necessary to redefine policies in this respect and secure a better future for European citizens. The aim of the EU-funded project 'Social platform on research for families and family policies' (FAMILYPLATFORM) was to identify the social challenges and explore their effect on the family unit. Establishing a social platform in conjunction with various stakeholders and policymakers, the project sought to reconcile the perspectives of different social groups to map key trends and challenges facing families. It identified knowledge gaps and research needs on the topic, providing important data on family life and family policies across Europe. Through a series of workshops, the project team investigated the impact of key societal trends on family life, promoting valuable exchanges among stakeholders and researchers. Specific topics investigated included providing care for family members, management of everyday family life, migration, mobility, inequality and family life changes. FAMILYPLATFORM also looked at how new media and information technologies shape family life and behaviour, including risks and new opportunities linked to the development of communication. After bringing family research up to date and generating key policy questions to upgrade policymaking, the project articulated a research agenda for the future. Project outcomes included comprehensive field reports on several important family topics from social services to education. FAMILYPLATFORM also organised a congress, workshop and conferences with focus groups that investigated and reviewed the project's results, in addition to launching an online platform for discussion. Overall, the project is expected to show how national disparities in family policies can be evaluated in the long run. It will help stakeholders in policy and research understand the needs and desires of families, encouraging the implementation of family-relevant policies. From living environments and social welfare to state policies and social equality, European families can look forward to better policies and an enhanced quality of life in the future.