South African social attitudes: family matters: family cohesion, values and strengthening to promote wellbeing

Abstract

"The family" has become a significant and growing focus of study across a variety of disciplinary perspectives in the humanities, social sciences, and law. In South Africa, there has been controversy and substantial debate over an apparent "crisis of the family" during the last two decades. Ideological contestations have emerged over social morality and appeals for a return to traditional "family values". In order to provide a better understanding of the supposed "crisis of the family", it is necessary to use public opinion data to explore family cohesion, family values and the promotion of family life.

SASAS - Family Matters: Family Cohesion, values and wellbeing promotes the family by drawing on unique data to offer insight into the diverse realities of contemporary family life in South Africa. It explores a series of family-related values and preferences, and charts the basis and nature of support for policy intervention in the family.