Family, Poverty, and Social Policy Interventions

The aim of this chapter is to convince the reader that poverty harms family as a whole and their members individually, and the harm is long lasting and multi-generational. Social policy instruments can reduce poverty and therefore exert a positive impact on the family. The first premise in this argument will be backed by a review of extensive evidence based mainly on the Family Stress Model. The second premise will be supported by distinguishing four types of social policy instruments aimed at reducing family poverty. There is evidence that child poverty is reduced by direct and indirect measures. The theory and evidence support these two premises, while the conclusion holds that anti-poverty social policy is important from a family welfare and well-being perspective. The chapter is based on a review of empirical and comparative research related mainly to European countries.