Focus on 'the family'?: how South African family policy could fail us

Abstract

Family policies are intended to provide support, enhance family members' well being, strengthen family relationships, and help families address social challenges, such as economic instability. Their ultimate aim is to ensure a safe and socially cohesive society. A core concern, therefore, is with promoting stable, healthy families. This concern is valid in South Africa since many families experienced a profound lack of stability under apartheid and today instability is brought about by various socio-economic changes, especially the HIV and AIDS epidemic.