ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of social and family policy issues pertinent to the “boomerang age” and considers how young people in the past, and well as in the present and future, can play a role in affecting social change. Identity politics and social movements have reshaped the community sector, creating a new kind of pluralism in which many “new” concerns and divergent interest groups have surfaced. Sweden is commonly offered as a model of social democracy with a reputation of a relatively egalitarian family policy with a strong emphasis on gender equality. Social security measures in the form of public assistance, student grants, child benefits and rent subsidies can have an important impact on household formation and dissolution. Policies related to social services, income, education and the workplace could therefore have positive effects on relationships and alleviate financial strain. The chapter concludes with some general recommendations for family policy reform and community programs.
