ABSTRACT
Whilst the whole of this book is largely about the rich variation and diversity of contemporary family trends, it is useful to draw together a selection of the key trends that preoccupy commentators or perhaps suggest significant challenges of modern societies. Bjornberg notes an emerging pattern throughout Europe involving ‘sinking birth-rates; later marriages; older parental age for the birth of the first child; fewer children per family unit; and a growing rate of cohabitation, divorce and of single parenthood’ (1992b, p. 2). There are also rising numbers of births outside marriage and increasing rates of female paid work. The Commission on Social Justice argued that this transformation of domestic relationships had created three new sets of demands:
For families, a renegotiation of the relationships between mothers, fathers and children. For employers, new demands for flexible work patterns, support for child care and other measures to accommodate caring work within the home. For the government, a fundamental review of the social security system, child care and social services.
