This book is a comparative study of family change, parental employment and social policy in the five Nordic countries, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. In all these countries family forms have been profoundly affected by lower fertility rates, lower marriage rates, increased cohabitation, higher risks of relationship breakdown and episodes of lone parenthood. These changes have also been linked to an increase in the proportion of mothers participating in the labor market. .The contributors to this book trace these social trends over the last twenty years and analyze how social policy has developed and evolved in response. They argue that while the Nordic countries pioneered efforts to recognize new family forms and reconcile work and family life, there is still considerable variation between them as well as some evidence that the non-Nordic countries are catching up.
This book explores the recent political and social developments in EU citizenship. Researchers explore social and civil rights in the EU, covering family mobility and migration issues, the positions of female migrant workers across member states and the EU?s promotion of diverse family rights. The book focuses on issues facing the new generation of young adults: particularly social mobility, civil rights and political parties?' differing views on gender and family issues.